Snow Lake is beautiful, plain and simple. But I will probably never hike it again because of the crowds. It had all the peacefulness of a public pool with hikers eating lunch, talking loudly, playing music, swimming, etc. If you go with a large group and aren't looking for quiet, nature or peace, then this will be a perfect hike for you.

One lone iceberg floats in the middle of Snow Lake. Access to the Lake is on the right and the trail wraps counter-clockwise around the lake to Gem Lake two miles beyond

Unsettled to go this far and not be satisfied, I continued around the lake and made it another two miles to Gem Lake where I found the serenity I was looking for. Aptly named, Gem Lake is a deep, clear pool with a steep rock edge sitting above Snow Lake. There were too many bugs to stick around long and really enjoy it, but the extra effort to get there is definitely worth it.

A large single log serves as a bridge over the lake's outlet

In an attempt to get off the highway (trail), I took the offshoot trail to the Source Lake Overlook because I had read that there was a back door into Snow Lake from this direction. I scrambled up a ways looking for it, but the trail seemed to stop and I didn't want to get too far away if I needed to backtrack. Had I found this other trail, my review and impression of Snow Lake would probably be much different.

Source Lake Overlook is accessed by a side trail. It's worth it to escape the crowds

Crystal clear Gem Lake is worth the extra miles

Map & Stats

Snow Lake
6 mile out & back
1300 ft elev gain

Gem Lake
10 mile out & back (Gem Lake)

Northwest Forest Pass required

AllTrails

 

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