Spider Gap
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
High alpine pass connecting Spider Meadow to Lyman Lakes, the crux of one of Washington's finest backcountry loops.
About This Trail
Spider Gap is the high point of the Spider Meadow to Lyman Lakes traverse, a 7,040-foot notch connecting the Phelps Creek drainage to the Glacier Peak Wilderness interior. The gap itself is only 1.2 miles from Spider Meadow but gains 1,650 feet up steep, loose terrain with no maintained trail. Snow persists on the approach slopes well into summer, and avalanche assessment is critical in early season. The scramble across loose rock fields at the gap demands careful footing and route-finding.
The traverse through Spider Gap connects some of the finest backcountry in Washington: Spider Meadow's wildflower fields, Upper Lyman Lake's glacial blue water, and views of Lyman Glacier, Glacier Peak, and the surrounding Entiat Mountains. Most parties do this as part of a multi-day loop through Buck Creek Pass or as a point-to-point starting from Holden Village via the Lady of the Lake ferry on Lake Chelan. The loop version ranks among the best 40-mile routes in the Cascades.
Bugs can be fierce at lower elevations in July. The Phelps Creek Road to the trailhead is rough and has been in declining condition. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Phelps Creek trailhead.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow on the gap approach persists through mid-July most years. The Phelps Creek Road is rough. Bugs are heavy at Spider Meadow elevation in early-mid July. Late August through September offers the best window with stable snow, fewer bugs, and fall color beginning.
“We planned to start at the Phelps Creek trailhead, do the Spider Gap/Buck Creek loop, and come out at Trinity trailhead.”
Last report: Jul 6, 2025
Scorecard
Spider Meadow and Lyman Lakes see moderate use in August. The gap itself filters out most hikers. Weekdays offer more solitude at camp spots.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Steep snow slopes with avalanche potential into mid-July
- No trail across the gap, loose rock scrambling required
- Glacier travel historically part of the route though glacier has receded
- Bugs fierce at lower elevations in July
Getting There
Start at Phelps Creek trailhead (NW Forest Pass required). Follow Phelps Creek Trail to Spider Meadow, then climb steeply to the gap. Most parties camp at Spider Meadow or Lyman Lakes. Loop options via Buck Creek Pass or Holden Village/Lake Chelan ferry.
Multi-day trip. If day-hiking to the gap from Spider Meadow, start early to cross snow in firm morning conditions.
Recent Reports
Great trip! We planned to start at the Phelps Creek trailhead, do the Spider Gap/Buck Creek loop, and come out at Trinity trailhead.
Stunning but very buggy 5 day/4 nights with 3 nights at Lower Lyman. We took the ferry to Lucerne, shuttle to Holden, then hiked to Hart Lake and continued on to Lower Lyman, day 2 hiked to Cloudy Pass and partway up Cloudy Peak as a day hike, then day 3 hiked to Upper Lyman and partway up Spider Gap as a day hike, then day 4 hiked back to Holden, camped outside town, and took the shuttle/ferry back on day 5.
Did a full day 40+ mile push starting at Little Giant, going up the Napeequa and over High Pass, and finishing through Spider Gap. This is one of the best 40ish mile loops in the world at this time of year.
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