Hope Lake, Tunnel Creek Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington
Hope Lake - 2.9 miles
Tunnel Creek Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.9 miles (add 1.0 mile roundtrip to Mig Lake) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 3,215' - 4,386' (4,416' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,171' net elevation gain (+1,210' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Hope Lake - 2.9 Miles Round-Trip
Hope Lake (4,386') is located 1.45 miles from Tunnel Creek Trailhead on FR 6095 in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This short trail climbs 1170' to meet the Pacific Crest Trail junction at the lake, which is set among damp meadows in a mid-elevation forest. Mig Lake (4,673') is located .5 miles north on the PCT in a similar but more spacious setting.
Trail Map | Photo Gallery
Hope Lake was stocked with Eastern Brook Trout in 1937 and today supports a healthy, sustainable population.
Mig Lake is stocked periodically with modest numbers of Rainbow Trout. Families and anglers will enjoy easy lake access and several good campsites at each. Note that fires are not permitted at Hope or Mig lakes.
A Recreation Pass is required to access the Tunnel Creek Trailhead:
The Tunnel Creek Trail heads SE on a rapid, straight-forward climb. Thimbleberries are abundant along the way, but watch for commingled devils club when picking.
It hops a rocky ravine (.98 miles : 3,960') and steepens to the Wilderness Boundary just before reaching the PCT junction and Hope Lake (1.45 miles : 4,386').
The lake is small - more of a pond - but with ample room to cast. Mig Lake (1.95 miles : 4,673') is located north on the PCT closer to the subalpine transition. Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance at these boggy lakes until the fall, so long sleeves are recommended.
Explore adjacent meadows and outlying ponds at each lake. The PCT continues 3.3 miles south from Hope Lake to Trap Lake.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 42.770 W121 06.445 — 0.0 miles : Tunnel Creek Trailhead
- N47 42.436 W121 06.158 — .5 miles : Steep climb along creek
- N47 42.172 W121 05.857 — .98 miles : Cross rocky creek ravine
- N47 41.936 W121 05.497 — 1.4 miles : Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary
- N47 41.934 W121 05.460 — 1.45 miles : Hope Lake
- N47 41.627 W121 05.356 — 2.0 miles : Moderate climb on PCT
- N47 41.537 W121 05.642 — 2.5 miles : Steady climb on switchbacks
- N47 41.294 W121 05.959 — 3.0 miles : Intervals of patchy forest
- N47 41.114 W121 06.418 — 3.5 miles : Undulating travel into subalpine
- N47 40.993 W121 07.030 — 4.0 miles : Cut across big open slopes
- N47 40.688 W121 07.332 — 4.5 miles : Unmarked fork for Trap Lake
- N47 40.559 W121 07.401 — 4.75 miles : Trap Lake
Camping and Backpacking Information
Camping Rules and Regulations
- An overnight fee is required (see rules and regs).
- Group size is limited to 12 individuals or any combination of people and stock.
- Camp only in established sites. Some may be closed for restoration.
- Sites are first come, first served.
- Campfires are prohibited at Hope Lake, Mig Lake and Trap Lake.
- Bathe and wash dishes at least 150-200' from lakes and streams.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted in Hope Lake, Mig Lake and Trap 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 Tunnel Creek Trailhead ($5 day use fee | overnight use requires payment for two days).
- Dogs are permitted on the Tunnel Creek Trail and on the PCT to Trapp Lake. Dogs must be leashed on the PCT south to Trap Lake and Kendall Catwalk.
Directions to Trailhead
The Tunnel Creek Trailhead is located 1.2 miles south of Highway 2 on Forest Service Road #6095 (on the west side of Stevens Pass, approximately 13.2 miles east of the Skykomish turnoff).
The turn from Highway 2 to FR 6095 is unlabeled and on a sharp hairpin - anticipate the turnoff. Keep left at two quick forks leading to the trailhead. Parking is limited.
FR 6095 is a narrow gravel road with ruts and potholes. High clearance recommended.
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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