My teenager and I just wanted to get out for an easy overnighter, so Lodge Lake sounded perfect. A short, doable-even-for-the-not-so-sporty hike that covered it all - blooming meadows, forest, waterfall, lake. No crowds at all. Lodge Lake, however, was a bit disappointing. Nice little lake, no doubt, but very muddy and since there already was someone else camping, to get to the lake we had to traipse right through their tarped-off campsite. There was another campsite a bit to the right, also already taken, so we pitched tent on an over-flow spot. Being out in the forest sure was nice, but that was about it- even without rain, a camp fire at that spot would not have been possible. Should you also plan to stay overnight, arrive early, there are only three camp sites. As for a day hike- it really is a nice, comparably easy hike close to Seattle. Just do not plan on a scenic picnic spot at the lake where kids can frolic around in the water.

Arrived late in the afternoon and still found a nearly empty parking lot. This hike does not draw the crowds as other nearby hikes do. Trail was in very good condition with recent trail maintenance evident. Some minor biting insects to deal with, but not bad. Lots of wildflowers starting to make their appearance on the ski slopes.

Great short hike - about 4 miles round trip to the south end of Lodge Lake. This hike has wildflowers emerging new - trillium, yellow violets, mountain heather, indian paintbrush, ... so many that we hardly noticed the mud, snow, and bugs. Lovely forest and spectacular peaks along the PCT. Met a wildflower expert/photographer whose photos were in the last WTA magazine and learned about some new wildflower trails - thanks!

A friend and I decided to do a short hike to celebrate the 4th of July. I had seen people hike across Snoqualmie West and was always intrigued by how the hill looked without the now. I finally got my chance. As we started up the trail from the parking area, there was still quite a bit of snow in the trees. We had to watch out for snow bridges, but most of the snow seemed fairly stable, as long as we stayed towards the middle. Once we got to the open slopes of West, the area was green and lush, with a few wildflowers beginning to bloom. We followed the trail up the hill and back to Beaver Lake. There was still some snow in the shaded areas there. We met an older gentleman who was trekking out to Lodge Lake to do some fishing, and he boasted about how he was carrying all his gear and a float. Brave dude, I tell ya. The rest of the way to Lodge Lake was fairly easy. The streams are running a little high, so we did have a few minor spills on slippery rocks, but other than that, nothing major. It was still muddy in spots, but I say, if you aren't muddy, then it wasn't any fun! We got to the lake after about an hour and a half. It took us that long because I would stop to take pictures, or we would stop and chat. We were in no hurry. The lake was very gorgeous, but there isn't really any shoreline. We found a small sitting area with a log that jutted into the lake and had our lunch there. We continued along the PCT for a little ways longer before turning back. If you don't have experience hiking in snow, I'd wait at least a few more weekends before trying this, but don't wait too much longer because then it will be very buggy! Overall, it was a fun trip and I'd love to do it again, especially in winter.

The section of the Pacific Crest Trail south of Snoqualmie Pass is little used even on a weekend, due mainly to less-than-thrilling scenery. But it is perfect if you need to just get out and hike for a few miles. I parked at the upper end of the ski area lot and followed the PCT south to Lodge Lake and Rockdale Creek, where I turned around. A trail crew had passed through recently, so all blowdowns had been cut, and considerable brushing done. Lodge Lake was marshy and tranquil, perfect for cooling a dog on a hot day. Not many bugs there, anymore.