Skyline Lake
Central CascadesBest Jun–Mar
Quick, steep climb from Stevens Pass to a small alpine lake with Nason Ridge views.
About This Trail
Skyline Lake sits in a small alpine bowl above Stevens Pass ski area, reached by a steep 1.25-mile climb that gains about 1,050 feet. The route follows a service road through the ski resort infrastructure before a faint trail, sometimes marked by cairns, branches left toward the lake. The final quarter mile eases through alpine meadows before reaching the shoreline.
The lake itself is a modest alpine tarn, sometimes still frozen well into spring, surrounded by open slopes with views along the Nason Ridge. The real appeal is accessibility: starting right from the Stevens Pass parking lot, this works as a quick leg-stretcher or snowshoe destination when passes to longer trailheads are snowed in. Winter and early spring see good traffic from snowshoers using the route.
Footing on the service road can be loose gravel and rocky in summer. In winter, the route is entirely snow-covered and popular with snowshoers. The Stevens Pass lot fills early on weekend powder days, so plan accordingly if combining this with other activities.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow-covered from November through May. Hard-packed snow in winter makes traction devices or snowshoes helpful. Lake may remain frozen into early June. Summer conditions are straightforward with loose gravel on the service road.
Scorecard
Popular snowshoe destination in winter when the Stevens Pass lot fills early. Summer sees moderate use. Quieter on weekday afternoons.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Getting There
Park at Stevens Pass D lot on the north side. Lot fills early on winter weekends and powder days.
Start from the Stevens Pass D lot on the north side. Follow the service road uphill. At one mile, look for a faint trail or cairns branching left toward the lake.
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