Trap Lake
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Deep push through old-growth forest and past alpine lakes to a high cirque on the Pacific Crest Trail.
About This Trail
Trap Lake is the deepest objective on the Tunnel Creek trail system, an 11-mile round trip that climbs 2,700 feet through old-growth forest, past Hope Lake, and along the Pacific Crest Trail to a high alpine lake at 5,400 feet. The first 1.6 miles up Tunnel Creek are steep, rocky, and rooted, gaining 1,300 feet on a narrow path with drop-offs that demand attention. After reaching Hope Lake and the PCT junction, the character changes to traversing mountain slopes with expanding views.
The lake fills a cirque below a 5,300-foot pass with views south into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Mig Lake, encountered along the way, makes a good rest stop. The trail passes through wildflower meadows in midsummer and the deep forest of the lower Tunnel Creek drainage provides shade and fall color. This route works well as either a long day hike or an overnight with a wilderness permit (self-issued at the trailhead, no fee).
A through-hike option connects the Tunnel Creek trailhead to the Surprise Creek trailhead via the PCT, making a longer point-to-point trip possible with a car shuttle. The Tunnel Creek road is rough, and the small roadside parking area fills on summer weekends.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow lingers on the upper PCT sections into early July. Lower Tunnel Creek trail can be muddy in fall. Trail is well maintained by WTA volunteers. Self-issue wilderness permit required (no fee).
Scorecard
Most hikers stop at Hope Lake. The further you go, the fewer people you see. Summer weekends bring moderate traffic on the lower trail.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Steep trail with drop-offs on Tunnel Creek section
- Rocky, rooty, narrow tread on lower trail
- Brushy sections possible in midsummer
Getting There
Small roadside pullout parking on the Tunnel Creek road. Fills on summer weekends with 15-20 cars. No restroom at trailhead.
From Highway 2 near Stevens Pass, take the Tunnel Creek road to the trailhead. Eastbound turn is easy to miss. No restroom. Through-hike option to Surprise Creek trailhead via PCT.
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