vTrail Lake Valhalla

Lake Valhalla
via Smithbrook Trail #1590 and PCT

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

River Level

Distance:

2.9 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

4200 ft

Elevation Gain:

800 ft

Season:

July - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Moderate

Users:

Hikers, horsemen

Region:

Skykomish Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Labyrinth Mt
Skykomish Ranger District Map

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194 to Highway 2 East. Follow the Highway and turn left onto Smithbrook Road #6700 about 0.6 mile after mile post 68. Gravel road starts immediately. Continue on for 3.1 miles to Smithbrook Trail trailhead on the left side of the road.

Trailhead:

Smithbrook Trail
Limited parking along the road, no campsites, water is at the creek 0.6 mile up the trail.

Trail:

August 4, 2001

Follow Smithbrook Trail to Pacific Crest Trail for 0.9 mile. Turn left (south) onto Pacific Crest Trail. The trail goes through the woods with little elevation gain for about one mile to an open slope, that offers nice view of the Mt. Lichtenberg (5844 ft). A steady 0.7 mile climb leads to the ridge. The trail descends providing magnificent view of the Lake Valhalla. In 0.3 mile it reaches a junction, where PCT continues strait and a short 0.1 mile trail to the left leads to the lake, right spur goes to horse camp. The lake is gorgeous with Lichtenberg Mountain raising high above its southeast side and a cozy sandy beach on the north . There are several campsites around the lake. Campfires are prohibited near the lake. A non-maintained 0.5 mile trail goes along the west shore providing access to two more campsites as well as a cross country route to Lichtenberg Mountain and Lichtenwasser Lake.