Canyon Lake
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
Remote alpine lake beneath Bannock Mountain's cliffs, reached through meadows and unmaintained trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
About This Trail
Canyon Lake sits in a deep cirque beneath the sheer cliffs of Bannock Mountain in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Reaching it requires a long approach via the Suiattle River Trail followed by a climb through meadows, talus fields, and creek crossings on the unmaintained Canyon Lake Trail (Trail 797). The trail branches off near Image Lake, one of the most photographed spots in the North Cascades.
The route demands solid navigation skills. The Canyon Lake trail receives no maintenance, and sections grow over with brush, erode into steep hillsides, or disappear under talus. Cairns mark some passages, but expect routefinding challenges. Two creek crossings along the way can run high in early season. The final half-mile drops steeply to the lakeshore, where a few campsites offer dramatic views straight up at Bannock Mountain's walls.
Access complications add to the challenge. The Suiattle River Road (FR 26) has been closed to motor vehicles at the mountain road intersection, about 4.5 miles in, due to washout. This adds significant mileage by foot or bike before even reaching the trailhead. Check current road status before committing to this trip. When everything lines up, Canyon Lake rewards with genuine wilderness solitude and alpine scenery that few people ever see.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I’d hoped to get to the trailhead in the early evening, but as it happened work stuff prevented me hitting the road until almost 5pm.”
Last report: Jul 11, 2025
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Unmaintained trail with overgrown sections, erosion, and fallen trees
- Creek crossings can be dangerous in high water
- Suiattle River Road closed at 4.5 miles due to washout - adds significant approach distance
- Route-finding required through talus and brush
- Remote location with no cell service and difficult evacuation
Getting There
Suiattle River Road (FR 26) trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. Road currently closed to motor vehicles at 4.5 miles due to washout. Check with the Darrington Ranger District for current road status before planning a trip.
Follow the Suiattle River Trail to the Image Lake junction, then take Trail 785 southeast for 0.4 miles before turning onto Canyon Lake Trail 797. The trail crosses meadows and talus, fords two creeks (the second at about 5,400 feet), passes through forest, then drops steeply the final half mile to the lake. Cairns mark some sections but expect routefinding throughout.
This works best as an overnight trip given the long approach, especially with the road closure adding miles. Day hikers need an extremely early start and fast pace. Plan for a full weekend if backpacking.
Recent Reports
Another weekend warrior trip. I’d hoped to get to the trailhead in the early evening, but as it happened work stuff prevented me hitting the road until almost 5pm.
I did not get all the way to Canyon Lake, though I would love to someday. I was tuckered from the trip To Cloudy Pass.
We backpacked the suiattle to image lake, canyon lake and the hanging gardens plus summits of hanging garden peak, bannock mountain and sitting bull. Conditions of note: Suiattle River trail is in good condition with an active trail crew around mp 4.
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