Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A chain of alpine lakes strung through deep wilderness, from the easy shores of Lake Dorothy to the remote basins of Bear and Deer.
About This Trail
Lake Dorothy sits just two miles from the trailhead, making it one of the most accessible large alpine lakes in the Central Cascades. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest, crosses Camp Robber Creek on a sturdy bridge, and arrives at the lake's outlet where a log jam offers a natural viewing platform. Osprey and eagles patrol the water. Most day hikers turn around here.
The real adventure begins beyond Dorothy. The trail continues deeper into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, passing through boulder fields and forest to reach Bear and Deer Lakes. These upper lakes see far fewer visitors and reward the extra effort with quiet shorelines and backcountry camping. Strong hikers can push all the way to Snoqualmie Lake at roughly 7 miles from the trailhead.
Expect rough trail conditions on the upper sections, including rocky footing and stream crossings that require some route-finding in early season. Blueberries ripen along the trail in August. The parking lot fills early on summer weekends, so plan accordingly.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Otter Falls and Big Creek Falls get all the hype, but there are many more spectacular waterfalls to be found along this route.”
Last report: May 3, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Road washout history on Miller River Road
- Boulder crossings at inlet streams in early season
- Bugs heavy June through August
Getting There
About 20 spaces at the trailhead. Fills early on summer weekends. Privy available. Northwest Forest Pass required. Dogs allowed on leash.
From Highway 2 between mileposts 45-46, turn south toward Money Creek Campground, then right onto Miller River Road (FR 6410/6412). The final 9 miles are unpaved with potholes. The Miller River Road washed out 4 miles from the trailhead in 2011; check current road conditions before heading out. Dogs allowed on leash throughout.
Start early on summer weekends to secure parking. The trail to Lake Dorothy works fine as an afternoon hike, but continuing to Bear and Deer Lakes requires a full day or an overnight.
Recent Reports
Otter Falls and Big Creek Falls get all the hype, but there are many more spectacular waterfalls to be found along this route. There are gorgeous falls all along the Snoqualmie Lake trail after the Nordrum Lake fork-- both peaceful and violent-- including an exquisite cascade just below the Snoqualmie Lake outlet that invites you to just sit, watch, and listen for as long as possible.
The road to the trail has been cleaned up relatively well. Thank you trail angels!
Road has recently been worked on so it's in good shape. Closed road part of the trail has a few downed trees but all easy to get past.
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