Access was easy, trail in great shape, not many people during the week.

My first time doing the Snoqualmie Tunnel as a local and think it’d be a perfect and unique experience for out of town guests at this time of year that like to walk, run, or ride a bike while looking at lakes, mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers, and butterflies. My partner and I used mountain bikes to ride on this multi-use trail from Hyak through the tunnel and to the Hansen Creek Railroad Trestle. From there we turned around and rode back through the tunnel, past Hyak to continue on to Lake Keechelus. There were many lovely views of the lake that would have made good turn around points. There was one particularly lovely spot that had a natural bench with three boulders and awesome view that we stopped at for photos and snacks. Ultimately we made Roaring Creek, about a quarter mile north of Roaring Creek Campground, our turn around point and headed back to Hyak. This was for me one bike ride that covered what I would have needed two hikes to do. About 24 miles total but less than 500 ft of elevation gain. I’ll break the rest of this report into two separate ones for the different sides and with their own photos. Please read the other report for info on the opposite side if interested.

Specific info for the lake side from Hyak: It’s about 5 miles from Hyak to Roaring Creek. There are a few opportunities for toilet stops in between and a number of creeks that feed into the lake. The waterfalls were running but low and it seemed warmer on this side. Roaring Creek was my favorite with its lush green riparian area where it entered the lake. There was also a bigger waterfall further up the creek on a short but steep trail. Be careful though because it looked like it butted up against private property and the view point was steep and covered with unstable soil. I didn’t want to risk a slip and fall just for a better view or photo. What I could see was impressive enough.

Spring skiing, you bet! We XC skied this day using the Crystal Springs area to gain access to Lost Lake.

DRIVE AND GET PASS: Easy 1-90 to North Bend, my first stop. You will need a groomed trail pass sticker for your car window AND a smaller little specialized groomed sticker you put on the groomed trail pass. This needs to be purchased at the Chevron Station in North Bend or online. The ticket for not having one is $100+.

PARKING: Beyond Snoqualmie Pass and then exit at 62 is the 4 lots. Park in lot #5 for dog sleds we parked out of their way near the port-a-potts if you can. 

FEE TO PLAY: After paying for the pass and sticker in North Bend as mentioned earlier, it is free to play.

RESTROOMS: Port-a-Pottys or forest. Please LNT

EQUIPMENT RENTAL ON SITE: None

DOGS: Are allowed on the dog sled trail. 

GROOMED TRAIL: Part of your $25 parking fee covers grooming in this area. The trail is wide. 

ETIQUETTE: Trail etiquette is slower skiers stay to the right. We started with dog sledders so we stayed right. If a faster skier comes up behind they are to go to the left and go around the slower skier. If you are a classic skier and want to ski the inner portion be aware of the faster skate skiers. Snowshoe folks stay far to the sides off the groomed areas and tracks. 

THE TRIP: We started out from parking lot #5 to the west, then around the dog sled loop, next onto the main ski/snowmobile area and then along the Palouse to Cascades section and dog sled sections. At the far end of Lake Keechelus (east) take a left beginning to head uphill to Lost Lake.

HAZARDS: Snowmobiles share the road with you so be aware.

Food Water- 10 miles and 2500 calories meant I gobbled down lunch and all snacks I brought. I also drank 1L of water so bring a water filter if you want to get it from one of the streams located along the way. 

A great day with Olympia Mountaineers group! Made new friends and got to explore an area I hadn't been.

Close to 11 miles RT 1000' elevation gain made for a lot of self propulsion 2500 calories burnt. 

Started at exit 38 deception crag trailhead. No snow, road in good conditions, not too crowded 

Arrived about 815 am on a sunny Sunday morning. Booth had a real person there selling passes. The snopark pass doesn't work here since it is groomed trails, so paid the $25 for the day pass. When we left at 11:30 the lot was full and they were not allowing cars into the lot. No new snow means compact snow to hike on. We wore microspikes and never felt like we needed more. Others had snow shoes, but again not necessary. Did a short walk out to the lake in the beautiful sunshine. The number of people had definitely picked up on our trip back, and there were plenty of sledders near the parking lot (fun). The heated bathrooms are a real treat.