Snoqualmie Pass — Summer
Hiking at
Snoqualmie Pass
Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, Franklin Falls, and more — Cascade trails just an hour from Seattle.
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Overview
Snoqualmie Pass sits at the heart of some of the best hiking in the Washington Cascades. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness begins right at the trailheads here, with routes ranging from the flat family walk to Franklin Falls to the iconic Kendall Katwalk ridge and the immensely popular Snow Lake. Most high routes are snow-covered through June — but lower trails open earlier, and the window from late July through October brings the full alpine experience.
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Hiking at a Glance
Best for families
Franklin Falls — flat old-growth walk to a 70-foot waterfall, suitable for all ages
Most popular trail
Snow Lake — stunning alpine lake, start early on weekends
Most dramatic views
Kendall Katwalk — exposed PCT ridge with sweeping Cascade panoramas
Best early-season option
Annette Lake or Lodge Lake — lower elevation, clears snow sooner
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Before You Go
Parking Passes
Most Snoqualmie Pass trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass or Discover Pass. Franklin Falls is the notable exception — parking is free at the Denny Creek Trailhead. Check the WTA trail page for each hike before you go.
Arrive Early on Weekends
Snow Lake and Kendall Katwalk are among the most popular trails in Washington. Trailhead parking fills by 8am on summer weekends — arriving by 7am or earlier makes a real difference. Weekday visits are significantly more relaxed.
Snow Lingers Late
High trails like Snow Lake and Kendall Katwalk typically don't clear until mid-July to early August. Lower routes — Franklin Falls, Annette Lake, Lodge Lake — open earlier in the season. Check WTA trip reports before heading up.
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Hike Directory
Browse all 6 hikes at Snoqualmie Pass. Click Show on Map to locate a trailhead, or use the fullscreen map to explore the full area.
Humpback Creek Trailhead
Annette Lake
Why Go
A popular alpine lake hike near Snoqualmie Pass that opens earlier in the summer than higher-elevation destinations like Snow Lake. The trail climbs through dense forest along Humpback Creek before reaching a lake in a cirque below Humpback Mountain. A quieter alternative to Snow Lake for similar effort, with mid-summer wildflowers and a few weeks earlier seasonal access.
Statistics
- Length: 7.5 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
- High Point: 3,600 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season(s): Jun – Oct
Denny Creek Trailhead
Franklin Falls
Why Go
The easiest and most rewarding short hike at Snoqualmie Pass, a nearly flat walk through magnificent old-growth forest along Denny Creek to a 70-foot waterfall dropping into a natural rocky bowl. The falls are especially powerful in late spring and early summer when snowmelt is running full. Suitable for all ages and accessible as early as May. Free parking at the Denny Creek Trailhead off I-90 Exit 47.
Statistics
- Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 410 ft
- High Point: 2,600 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season(s): May – Nov
Near Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area
Guye Peak
Why Go
Guye Peak rises directly above Snoqualmie Pass and delivers some of the most panoramic views in the area, with a bird's-eye view of the ski runs and the full Cascade Range stretching in every direction. The upper section involves hands-on scrambling on loose, rocky terrain, so this is not a beginner trail. Short approach with an exceptional payoff for experienced hikers comfortable with steep off-trail movement.
Statistics
- Length: 5 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
- High Point: 5,163 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best Season(s): Jul – Oct
PCT Trailhead, Snoqualmie Pass
Kendall Katwalk
Why Go
One of the most dramatic trail segments in Washington, the Kendall Katwalk is a narrow bench blasted into the exposed rock face of Kendall Ridge along the Pacific Crest Trail, with sheer drop-offs on both sides and mountain views stretching across the Cascades for miles. The route follows the PCT north from the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead through forest and subalpine meadows before reaching the katwalk. Snow lingers into late July or early August most years.
Statistics
- Length: 10.5 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
- High Point: 5,400 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best Season(s): Aug – Oct
Summit East / Snoqualmie Pass
Lodge Lake
Why Go
A quiet subalpine lake above Snoqualmie Pass, reached by a trail starting near the ski area that climbs through recovering forest into open terrain. A solid option when the higher routes are still snow-covered in early summer, or when you want a moderate half-day hike without a long drive to a remote trailhead. Accessible earlier in the season than Snow Lake or Kendall Katwalk.
Statistics
- Length: 4 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 850 ft
- High Point: 3,495 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season(s): Jun – Oct
Rock Creek Trailhead
Snow Lake
Why Go
Snow Lake is the most-hiked trail at Snoqualmie Pass and one of the busiest in the Washington Cascades. The trail climbs through dense forest before breaking into open subalpine terrain with sweeping views back toward the pass, then descends to a stunning lakeshore framed by Chair Peak, The Temple, and Kaleetan Peak. The trail typically does not fully clear snow until late July. Start well before 8am on summer weekends or expect to park roadside.
Statistics
- Length: 8.2 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
- High Point: 4,400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season(s): Jul – Oct
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Hike Comparison
Compare all six hikes side by side to find the right trail for your trip.
| Name | Distance | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Best Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annette Lake | 7.5 miles, roundtrip | Moderate | 1,600 ft | Jun – Oct |
| Franklin Falls | 2.5 miles, roundtrip | Easy | 410 ft | May – Nov |
| Guye Peak | 5 miles, roundtrip | Hard | 2,200 ft | Jul – Oct |
| Kendall Katwalk | 10.5 miles, roundtrip | Hard | 2,600 ft | Aug – Oct |
| Lodge Lake | 4 miles, roundtrip | Moderate | 850 ft | Jun – Oct |
| Snow Lake | 8.2 miles, roundtrip | Moderate | 1,800 ft | Jul – Oct |
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Conditions
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