Elevation Gain
1,700.00 ft (518.16 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
8.50 mi (13.68 km)
Warming hut
No
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Kendall Peak Lakes offers many great views of the surrounding landscape. On clear days you can see Kendall Peak, Summit at Snoqualmie, Granite Mountain, Rampart Ridge, and a few other peaks. The trees were cut a few years ago from logging, so the peaks are very easy to see along the way. There are many options to go off trail, but avalanche danger is higher in some of these areas. 

The trail begins near the Gold Creek Sno-Park, with parking along the side of the road. The trail starts on the left side of the Sno-Park and continues down a flat trail. After the first quarter mile the trail picks up and is a steady incline. At around 2 miles you'll leave the trees and can see views of the adjacent peaks. The rest of the way is exposed to the sun and open snowfields. Around 3.5 miles there will be a junction in the road, and you'll want to stick to the right.

The trail ends at the first lake, but you can venture around the lake and take a short walk through the trees to reach the second lake, which is much bigger. There is also the option for a third lake, but it's a steep climb with high avalanche danger.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Sno-Park Parking Permit (required in OR + WA 11.01 thru 04.30)

Pros

Solitude near lakes. Great views. Lots of snow.

Cons

Busy at the trailhead. Exposed to the sun.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

2,600.00 ft (792.48 m)

Features

Big vistas
Cross-country skiing

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

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