The Snow Lakes Trail begins at an elevation of 5,800 feet as it departs from the Sky Lakes Trail. The route initially climbs gradually along the northern slopes of the Sky Lakes Basin, crossing meadows strewn with wildflowers, gaining altitude as it passes by the Snow Lakes group. The trail then climbs steeply up the rock outcrops and windswept ridges, offering breathtaking vistas to the south and east. Gaining nearly 1,000 feet in elevation in just under one mile, the trail joins the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail on the backbone of the Cascade Mountain Range. The rugged scenery and magnificent views along this trail are a vivid reminder of our responsibility to practice minimum impact visitation so the primitive wilderness environment may remain.

Elevation: 6,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,600 feet

Elevation Gain: 600 feet

Distance: 2.3 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information