Lake Dorothy, Lake Dorothy Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington
Lake Dorothy - 3.0 miles
Lake Dorothy Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 3.0 miles (trail continues 2 miles from outlet to inlet) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,223' - 3,058' (3,080' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +835' net elevation gain (+978' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Lake Dorothy - 3.0 Miles Round-Trip
Lake Dorothy (3,058') is located 1.5 miles from Miller River Road in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This large, nearly two-mile long lake fills a wooded basin with at least 17 established campsites, excellent fishing and ample room to explore its open inlet area.
Several islands dot the lake, some of which are accessible if you don't mind getting a little wet.
Good maintenance and prolific berries make Lake Dorothy an ideal family destination. The trail continues on markedly rougher terrain to Bear Lake, Deer Lake and Snoqualmie Lake:
The trail begins in a diverse low elevation forest with some notably large trees. It crosses the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary (.35 miles) to a bridge over Camp Robber Creek (.6 miles : 2,525'), then steepens incrementally on reinforced log cribs to the Lake Dorothy outlet spur (1.45 miles : 3,074').
This short spur traces the outlet to the lake (1.5 miles : 3,058'), but room is fairly limited here. The main trail continues left around the lake on rough, undulating terrain for two miles to the open inlet area. Much of this section runs above the lake in dense timber with limited views and access. Conditions moderate past 2.75 miles with spurs to sandy strips and outcrops on the SE shore.
The south end opens to interesting sluices, marshes and peninsulas. Look for waterfowl, deer and osprey in this area. Tread lightly and use established paths when exploring sensitive habitat. The trail arcs to the wide inlet stream (3.5 miles : 3,068'), which you'll have to wade / rock hop across to reach the quiet west side and continue on to Bear Lake. Travel is considerably steeper beyond this point.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 36.525 W121 23.165 — 0.0 miles : Lake Dorothy Trailhead
- N47 36.138 W121 22.743 — .6 miles : Cross bridge over Camp Robber Creek
- N47 35.879 W121 22.816 — 1.0 miles : Steep climb on reinforced steps
- N47 35.963 W121 23.177 — 1.45 miles : Split for lake outlet access
- N47 35.536 W121 22.914 — 2.0 miles : Undulating travel along lake
- N47 35.189 W121 22.923 — 2.45 miles : Campsites
- N47 34.802 W121 22.658 — 3.0 miles : Shore opens to marshy wetlands
- N47 34.519 W121 22.589 — 3.5 miles : Cross inlet stream
- N47 34.607 W121 23.050 — 4.0 miles : Steep, rugged climb above lake
- N47 34.434 W121 23.075 — 4.5 miles : Steep, rugged climb above lake
- N47 34.596 W121 23.391 — 5.0 miles : Reach crest (3,865'), begin descent
- N47 34.510 W121 23.867 — 5.4 miles : Bear Lake (3,610')
- N47 34.367 W121 24.146 — 5.75 miles : Deer Lake (3,583')
- N47 34.117 W121 24.410 — 6.25 miles : View over Snoqualmie Lake
- N47 34.267 W121 24.597 — 6.6 miles : Unmarked spur with lake access
- N47 34.339 W121 24.900 — 7.0 miles : Snoqualmie Lake (3,147')
Worth Noting
- A Recreation Pass is required to access the Lake Dorothy Trailhead.
- Huckleberries (along with blue and other edibles) are abundant all along the trail, making it a great choice for berry collecting in August.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Camping Rules and Regulations
- Group size is limited to 12 individuals or any combination of people and stock.
- Camp only in established sites. There are at least 17 established sites around Lake Dorothy, and 3 toilets. Sites are labeled on a map posted at the outlet stream. Some may be closed for restoration.
- Sites are first come, first served.
- Campfires are prohibited at Lake Dorothy. Fires are permitted at Bear Lake, Deer Lake and Snoqualmie Lake. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply at any time.
- Bathe and wash dishes at least 150-200' from lakes and streams.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted in Lake Dorothy, Bear Lake, Deer Lake and Snoqualmie Lake with a valid WA state fishing license.
- Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for specific guidelines.
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/
Email: [email protected]
Sport | Commercial Licenses: 360.902.2434
Disability Licenses: 360.902.2460
Rules and Regulations
- A valid Recreation Pass is required to access the Dororthy Lake Trailhead ($5 day use fee | overnight use requires payment for two days).
- Dogs are permitted and must be leashed at all times.
- Dorothy Lake's outlet stream is for day use only. Camping is not permitted in this protected area.
Directions to Trailhead
The Lake Dorothy Trailhead is located 10.0 miles from Highway 2 near Skykomish, WA.
Turn south on Old Cascade Highway at Mile Marker 46 (approx 3 miles west of Skykomish on HWY 2). Continue .9 miles and make a right on Miller River Road (FS #6410). Drive 9.1 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
Miller River Road (#6410) is a graded dirt road. Portions are rough, narrow and winding. High clearance is preferable. The road is subject to washouts and fallen trees. Call ahead for conditions.
Contact Information
Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest | Skykomish Ranger District
74920 NE Stevens Pass Highway | PO Box 305
Skykomish, WA 98288
360.677.2414
Hours: Monday - Saturday
8a - 4:30p (Closed 12n - 12:30 + federal holidays)
Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest | Supervisor's Office
2930 Wetmore Ave, Suite 3A
425.783.6000
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