Labyrinth Mountain
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Scramble extension above Minotaur Lake to a 6,366-foot summit overlooking Lake Wenatchee and Glacier Peak.
About This Trail
Labyrinth Mountain extends the popular Minotaur Lake hike by another mile and 1,000 feet of climbing to a 6,366-foot summit. From the lake, the route follows boot tracks northeast past seasonal streams through increasingly open terrain before splitting around a talus field for the final rock scramble to the top. The last 250 vertical feet are steep and require hands-on scrambling over loose rock.
The summit view is the real payoff: Minotaur and Theseus Lakes lie directly below in their cirque, with Lake Wenatchee stretched out to the east, Glacier Peak dominating the northern skyline, and Mount Rainier visible on clear days to the south. Late summer brings ripe huckleberries on the approach and the first hints of fall color in the basin.
The forest road to the trailhead is rough past the Valhalla Lake parking area, with rocky patches and ruts that favor high-clearance vehicles. Most passenger cars can make it with patience and careful line selection, but expect a bumpy ride. The trail sees very little traffic, even on summer weekends, making it one of the quieter summit experiences near Stevens Pass.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow lingers in the upper basin through early July. The access road is rough but passable. Trail is in good condition to Minotaur Lake; above that, follow boot tracks through talus. Huckleberries ripen in late August.
“Any car could get through- it's less a matter ground clearance and more about missing the nastier rocks.”
Last report: Sep 13, 2025
Scorecard
Most hikers stop at Minotaur Lake. The summit extension sees very few visitors even on summer weekends.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Final 250 feet of steep loose rock scramble
- Early-season snowfields in upper basin can be icy and hazardous
- Boot path disappears in talus field below summit
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Trailhead parking area at the end of the forest road past Valhalla Lake. Road is rough with rocks and ruts in the last half mile. Patient drivers in passenger cars can make it but high clearance helps.
Follow the Minotaur Lake trail to the lake, then cross the outlet stream and climb northeast following boot tracks. Multiple paths merge below the summit for the final scramble.
Recent Reports
Road Minutes per rumble increases after the Valhalla lot, with some particularly rough patches following the saddle and descent toward the turnoff. Any car could get through- it's less a matter ground clearance and more about missing the nastier rocks.
Perhaps due to an imperfect storm of smoke and barely perceptible morning drizzle, this stunner of a hike served up solitude in addition to spectacular views today -- plus ripe berries and the first signs of fall. That's not to say we didn't work for those views.
Showed up around 9am Sunday - plenty of parking. Road was fine, just a few avoidable potholes.
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