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Seattle, WA: Trout Lake

Be prepared for perfection, this 12-miler has it all: wildflowers, old growth trees, roaring creeks and gorges, and a quiet lake rimmed by ridges.

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-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 9.7

Waypoints

JCT001

Location: 47.6057815551758, -120.916870117188

Hike S toward Jack Creek; mild climb ahead

JCT002

Location: 47.6037139892578, -120.918769836426

In season, paintbrush, lupines, sedums create a brilliant patchwork of color. Cross Jack Creek on impressive steel bridge

JCT003

Location: 47.602668762207, -120.918151855469

Pass a grassy meadow spotted with lupines; Jack Creek gushes down a little gorge on the R

JCT004

Location: 47.5965232849121, -120.918594360352

Bear L @ 3-way onto Trout Creek Trail (#1555). Ahead, switchbacks zigzag up the side of the ridge

JCT005

Location: 47.5939407348633, -120.917083740234

Take a breather and scan W skyline for partial views of Bootjack Mtn. on Blackjack Ridge. Next, more climbing

JCT006

Location: 47.5920066833496, -120.911331176758

Forest opens for a stretch, allowing views N to Grindstone Mtn.

JCT007

Location: 47.5910224914551, -120.903884887695

Leave the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for next mi., heading S

JCT008

Location: 47.5896034240723, -120.903266906738

Trail traces the edge of clear-cut area. Views up Trout Creek Valley to Cashmere Mtn. (SE) and Icicle Ridge (N)

JCT009

Location: 47.577465057373, -120.903373718262

Re-enter dense forest and wilderness

JCT010

Location: 47.5657806396484, -120.901893615723

Bear R @ Y with trail to Windy Pass; head SW

JCT011

Location: 47.5596199035644, -120.905952453613

Snap photos of Eightmile Mtn. towering above @ 7,996 ft. from Trout Lake’s grassy banks. Backtrack to trailhead

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