Lake Valhalla

Lake Valhalla sits at 5,050 feet beneath Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland, a clean alpine lake with backcountry campsites, cutthroat trout, and views of Glacier Peak on clear days. The Smithbrook trailhead approach keeps the grade gentle and the distance manageable, making this one of the best bang-for-the-buck alpine lake hikes near Stevens Pass. No parking pass required.

The Smithbrook route (Trail 1590) climbs through forest on well-maintained tread with gentle switchbacks. A massive blown-down Douglas fir cleared by blasting marks the way. The trail intersects the PCT before dropping slightly to the lake. An alternate approach from Stevens Pass follows the PCT along an old railroad switchback bed through meadows, adding distance but keeping the grade even mellower. Late summer brings huckleberries along both routes, and early summer fills the meadows with wildflowers.

The lake allows backcountry camping at established sites with toilets, though campfires are prohibited. Mount McCausland offers a worthwhile side trip with Glacier Peak views from the summit. The access road (FS 6700) is washboard but wide and manageable. Fall brings larch color to the basin and thins the crowds considerably. This trail works well into late October, though snow starts appearing at the lake by November.