island lake
North Bend, Washington
| GPS: |
47°26'12.7"N 121°30'40.6"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Washington |
Camp, Hike, and Swim
Island Lake is a serene alpine lake tucked into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass, a rewarding (and refreshingly quieter) destination in the popular hiking country east of North Bend, Washington. While crowds flock to nearby trails, those willing to go a little farther are rewarded with a beautiful, peaceful mountain lake perfect for a summer swim or a backcountry overnight.
Reaching Island Lake is a real hike: roughly 10 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, making it a strenuous full-day outing. The route starts on the well-traveled Pratt Lake Trail and climbs through forest, passing pretty Talapus and Olallie lakes along the way before a final stretch (via the Mount Defiance Trail) leads to Island Lake itself. The early miles are busy, but most day-hikers peel off for closer lakes, so the crowds thin as you go.
The payoff is a string of gorgeous alpine lakes — Talapus, Olallie, Island, and more — each a perfect spot to cool off with a (bracingly cold) swim on a hot summer day, surrounded by forest and granite. Backpackers can camp at the lakes for a quiet night under the stars.
Come prepared for the mountains: bring plenty of water, layers, and the Ten Essentials, wear sturdy boots, and note that a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The season runs roughly July through October, once the high trail is snow-free. Start early for parking and to beat afternoon weather, pack out everything, and Island Lake rewards your effort with a quiet slice of Cascade wilderness.
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Island Lake - Rainbow Lake
The trailhead might be busy, but heading to Island and Rainbow Lakes may afford you more solitude than you’d expect on the crowded I-90 corridor. It’s a touch longer than many day hikers want to tackle, and even most of the campers will drop off past Ollalie, or Pratt Lake junctions, leaving you (and a few hardy others) to discover these alpine jewels.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rainbow-lake-1Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From North Bend, Washington
- Head southwest on N Bend Blvd N/Bendigo Blvd N toward W North Bend Way (0.7 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto the I-90 E ramp to Spokane (0.3 mi)
- Merge onto I-90 E (14.7 mi)
- Take exit 45 toward Usfs Rd 9030 (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto National Forest System Rd 9030 (0.9 mi)
- Turn right to stay on National Forest System Rd 9030 (2.0 mi)
From Seattle drive I-90 east to exit 45 (Forest Road 9030). Turn left under the freeway on FR 9030. In 1 mile bear right at the junction. Continue straight to the trailhead at the road's end.
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