Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Seattle Trails

Seattle, WA: Pratt Lake Saddle

Less than an hour's drive from Seattle, this 8.2-mile out-and-back visits a scenic overlook with five-star views of Mount Rainier and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Accessible most of the year, the Pratt Lake Trail (No. 1007) is a popular gateway into the 390,000-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. From the Granite Mountain Trailhead, the wide and well-worn path climbs past cascading creeks and fragrant stands of maturing firs and pines. A mile into the trail, the Granite Mountain Trail (No. 1016) forks to the right. Continue straight on Pratt Lake Trail for the first significant elevation gain of the trip. As the trail traverses the slopes of Granite Mountain, you’ll catch glimpses of the Cascades through gaps in the trees.
At the 3-mile mark, the trail intersects the Talapus Lake Cutoff Trail, which leads to the shores of Talapus Lake and Olallie Lake. Bear left for a short side trip to the lakes, or continue straight for the remaining 1.1 miles to the saddle. Just below the saddle, the trail rounds to the southwest and crosses a talus field; stop for stunning views of Mount Rainier and Olallie Lake. At mile 4.1, the route crests the 4,200-foot ridge separating Pratt Lake and Olallie Lake. Savor the 360-degree views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness before turning around and descending back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Nathan and Jeremy Barnes, hikingwithmybrother.com

None
None
None
None
None
None

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 13.2

Waypoints

PLS001

Location: 47.397809, -121.4865589

From the Pratt Lake/Granite Mountain Trailhead, follow Pratt Lake Trail to the north. The trail immediately starts to climb the slopes of Granite Mountain to the north.

PLS002

Location: 47.4030259, -121.4869452

Bear left on Pratt Lake Trail @ 3-way junction with Granite Mountain Trail. Ahead: The route continues climbing northwest, passing small waterfalls and cascades.

PLS003

Location: 47.4138249, -121.5098662

Enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and continue north.

PLS004

Location: 47.4171603, -121.5104339

Continue straight on Pratt Lake Trail @ 3-way junction with Talapus Lake Cutoff Trail (leads to Talapus Lake and Olallie Lake).

PLS005

Location: 47.42155, -121.5074382

Continue straight @ 3-way junction with the short spur trail to the shores of Olallie Lake. Ahead, the trail rounds to the southwest and crosses a talus field; stop for stunning views of Mount Rainier and Olallie Lake.

PLS006

Location: 47.4248858, -121.512936

Crest the Pratt Lake Saddle, a 4,200-foot ridge perched above Pratt Lake and Olallie Lake. Optional: To add mileage, descend north for 1.2 miles to the Pratt Lake shoreline. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.

Views of Olallie Lake and Mount Rainer

Location: 47.4260549, -121.5083599

Snow-covered Olallie Lake and Mount Rainer in the distance.

Small Cascade

Location: 47.4044201, -121.4917088

The first of many larger streams

Snowy Waterfall

Location: 47.4065405, -121.4969444

Pratt Lake Trail

Location: 47.4068309, -121.5026093

Time to strap on your snowshoes.

Trail Blazing

Location: 47.4197832, -121.5099907

Snowshoers take turns blazing the trail.

Viewpoint

Location: 47.426084, -121.5080166

Stop to enjoy the view from the talus slopes on the final push to Pratt Lake Saddle.

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: