Chair Peak Patch

Snoqualmie RegionBest May–Aug

A persistent north-facing snow patch on Chair Peak — the year-round ski destination of the Snoqualmie crowd, until it isn't.

6.8 miDistance
2,493ftElevation
5,801ftHigh Point
Out & BackRoute
12h+Drive
moderateCrowds
ATES: ChallengingSummitPoor in rain

About This Trail

The Chair Peak Patch is the unofficial year-round ski objective of the Snoqualmie Pass community — a small north-facing snowfield in the cirque between Chair Peak and Bryant Peak that holds snow through summer in most years. The approach climbs the Snow Lake trail from the Alpental upper lot, drops to Snow Lake, and traverses up the basin under Chair Peak's north face to reach the patch.

The skiing is short and the season is long. Vertical per lap runs around six to eight hundred feet, with conditions that range from corn in spring to refrozen ice in midwinter to summer mush as the patch shrinks. Climbing the patch in late summer demands rock-hopping through the surrounding scree to reach what's left of the snow.

The patch is in retreat. Recent summers have not been kind, and the once-reliable persistent snowfield grows smaller each fall before reset by winter accumulation. Treat it as a year-round option in healthy snow years, an early-season-and-spring option in lean ones. Northwest Forest Pass at the Alpental upper lot.

Ski Terrain

North-facing snowfield in a small cirque. Steep at the top, easing through the middle. 600-800 ft per lap on a healthy patch.

Skin Track

Snow Lake trail to access; bootpack on the patch itself in summer or skin track up the snow in winter.

Seasonal Highlights

JunSpring corn cycles peak on the patch
JulMid-summer skiing — the unique appeal of this destination
AugPatch shrinks but still skiable in healthy snow years
SepLast reliable summer skiing before fall storms reset it

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)
Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

Scorecard

moderateBeautyA small persistent snowfield under the north face of Chair Peak.
Type 1.5Fun
2.5/5Difficulty
2.5/5Wildness
2.5/5Exposure
2.5/5Reward
2.5/5Effort
quietCrowds

Snow Lake trail itself is busy through summer. The patch sees a steady trickle of ski-touring locals who know it; not a destination for casual hikers.

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

  • Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake

Persistent Hazards

  • Avalanche terrain on the upper patch in winter and spring — NWAC West Slopes South forecast required
  • Rock-hopping through scree to reach the patch in late summer
  • Cornice exposure above the patch in deep snow years
  • Hot weather destabilizes patch stability fast in spring and summer

Getting There

Google MapsApple Maps
Parking

Alpental upper lot. Northwest Forest Pass required.

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Sources & Data

turns-all-year →