Deep Lake

Explore alpine lakes, mountain passes, and stunning views along this stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Total Distance: 15.0 miles
Total Ascent: 3400ft (2200ft in; 1200ft out)
Highest Point: 5600ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Our Hiking Time: Overnight
Required Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
To get there, take I-90 out over Snoqulamie Pass to Exit 80. Head left over the freeway following Bullfrog Road to SR 903. Follow 903 16.6 miles through Roslyn and along Cle Elum Lake to FR 4330 just beyond the Salmon La Sac guard station. Veer right, avoiding the campground and continuing onto the dirt and gravel FR 4330 for 12.3 miles to the Cathedral Pass Trailhead. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
From the parking area, the rocky trail begins without fanfare, crossing a few creeks before beginning a series of long switchbacks, slowly ratcheting up the mountainside. After .4 miles the trail brings you into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Soon the trail begins to level out and at the 2.0 mile mark reaches the junction to the Trail Creek Trail #1322. Push ahead for another .5 mile to Squaw Lake.

From Squaw Lake, continue to push upwards through the thinning forest for another two miles to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 at the 4.2 mile mark. Cathedral Pass is less than .25 mile up ahead, so climb the last few feet to the 5400’ pass, though there is not much in the way of big panoramic views.

Compared to the Cathedral Pass Trail the Pacific Crest Trail is a breeze. Continue down another three miles to Spinola Meadows and the shores of Deep Lake, 7.5 miles from the trailhead.

There's a lot more to Deep Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!