Larrabee State Park - South Lost Lake Trail
Puget Sound and IslandsBest Apr–Nov
A forest walk through legacy Douglas fir and cedar to a quiet mountain lake atop Chuckanut Mountain.
About This Trail
South Lost Lake Trail climbs from the old Clayton Beach parking area through recovering and legacy forest to Lost Lake, a shallow lake perched at 1,200 feet on Chuckanut Mountain. The route follows an old logging road for the first 1.25 miles, gaining elevation through switchbacks before entering the older forest stands that make this area worth the effort.
The trail passes through groves of big Douglas fir and western red cedar, with bigleaf maple and alder filling in the understory. A small waterfall along the route and rock outcrops near the lake add variety to what is primarily a forest walk. A side spur to Burnout Knob rewards with panoramic views on clear days.
This trail connects into the larger Larrabee State Park network. From Lost Lake, routes branch to Fragrance Lake, Chuckanut Ridge, and Oyster Dome, making it a strong starting point for longer days exploring the full Chuckanut trail system. The trailhead has a privy and space for about 25 cars. Discover Pass required. Expect mud through spring and occasional snow at the lake elevation into March.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The trail was wet, muddy and snow covered with several inches of new snow on the ground and more falling.”
Last report: Apr 12, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Muddy trail conditions common through spring
- Intermittent snow at lake elevation through March
Getting There
Lost Lake Parking Area (formerly Clayton Beach), about 0.25 miles south of the main Larrabee State Park entrance on Chuckanut Drive. Space for approximately 25 vehicles. Privy at trailhead. Discover Pass required.
From the Lost Lake Parking Area, the trail follows an old logging road for 1.25 miles before narrowing to singletrack. At the junction, right leads to a viewpoint at a cleared area, left continues toward the lake via a waterfall and the Rock Trail junction. The final 0.6 miles passes through cedar and hemlock groves to the lakeshore.
Flexible timing. The forest canopy keeps the trail cool even on warm days. Morning starts provide quieter conditions at the lake.
Recent Reports
We arrived just after 8:30 in the morning, the parking lot still quiet, the day not yet claimed. There’s something special about getting there early—before the voices, before the rhythm of footsteps—and for a while, the trail felt like it belonged only to the forest and those willing to meet it there.
First official day of spring break, and I wanted a hike that would distract me from thinking about school. Did I find it?
The trail was wet, muddy and snow covered with several inches of new snow on the ground and more falling. We took the detour up to Burnout knob for beautiful views.
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