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.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Blowdowns on the trail but fully passable with some ducking.”
Last report: May 30, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
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
Finally got to do this thru-hike from Dorothy out to Middle Fork, thanks for an obliging family member willing to hike the opposite direction and exchange keys! Our route was south, the road to the 'new' Dorothy Lake trailhead was nothing to write about, gravel, not bad.
Beautiful lakes on a long but clearly marked trail (started/ended on the Middle Fork side at Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead). Blowdowns on the trail but fully passable with some ducking.
This was only a trip to Lake Dorothy: see end of report for more details. What a journey!
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