Seattle, WA: Stuart Lake
This 8.6-mile out-and-back is packed with attractions: roaring waterfalls, an alpine lake, and mountain views so awesome you'll go trigger-happy with the camera.
-Mapped by Alan Bauer (Alan Bauer Photography)


Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.9
Waypoints
SLT001
Location: 47.5281295776367, -120.820732116699
Leave parking area and head S on trail
SLT002
Location: 47.5243530273438, -120.822845458984
Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Vanilla leaf, calypso orchids, queen’s cups, huckleberries, and a profusion of lush vegetation
SLT003
Location: 47.516975402832, -120.825866699219
In May and June, roaring Mountaineer Creek is frothing with snowmelt
SLT004
Location: 47.5092964172363, -120.830574035645
Footbridge over Mountaineer Creek. Creek gushes through a narrow slot below you
SLT005
Location: 47.505054473877, -120.840393066406
Straight @ 3-way, staying on Trail 1599
SLT006
Location: 47.5043983459473, -120.843254089355
Mountain views begin
SLT007
Location: 47.5018348693848, -120.85440826416
Cross vast meadow and avalanche slope with views of Sherpa and Argonaut Peaks; Butterflies, woodpeckers, and local wildlife hang near small pond
SLT008
Location: 47.497428894043, -120.862632751465
Last switchbacks rise to the lake basin
SLT009
Location: 47.4967918395996, -120.865585327148
Trail overlooks a set of waterfalls in Mountaineer Creek
SLT010
Location: 47.4976921081543, -120.870162963867
For next 200 yrds., pick your way through a mess of avalanche debris
SLT011
Location: 47.4984588623047, -120.87629699707
Stuart Lake: Pick a huge boulder above the lakeshore and kick back. Mergansers swim in the huge lake reflecting the sawtoothed ridgeline of Mt. Stuart
Argonaut Peak
Location: 47.5014114379883, -120.855178833008
©Alan Bauer
Mt. Stuart and Stuart Lake
Location: 47.4981918334961, -120.875747680664
©Alan Bauer