Snow Lake (King County)

A very popular hike from the Snoqualmie Pass ski area, for a reason. The well-graded trail initally allows open views of alpine vistas including a seasonal waterfall, then enters the woods - topping out at a ridge with a fine view of Snow Lake. A 300' descent on the trail leads you to the NE shore of this large lake. Here you can fish for Rainbow Trout of varying sizes. The fishing can be slow here, but the beautiful scenery will keep one occupied and the occasional larger fish will delight.

Getting here:

Take I90 eastbound exit 52, turn left under the freeway continuing until the Alpental ski area parking lot on your left. Signed trailhead #1013 is across the street from the parking lot. At 2.5m turn right at the trail intersection (straight goes to Source Lake). Approx 8m, 1500' gain to lake shore (round trip.)

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 152.90 ac.
Elevation: 4020 ft.
TRS: T23R11E SEC19
Center: 47.467698, -121.456444
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Fish stocking info

Release Location: SNOW LK (KING)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Sep 9, 2023 Rainbow 3,100 290 TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Sep 9, 2023 Rainbow 3,900 290 TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Aug 2, 2018 Rainbow 7,000 650 TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Sep 10, 2008 Rainbow 7,650 450 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Aug 30, 2004 Rainbow 7,500 500 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Aug 9, 2002 Cutthroat 70 731 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Aug 9, 2002 Cutthroat 140 731 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Aug 8, 2000 Rainbow 7,657 403 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Sep 11, 1995 Rainbow 10,000 420 ARLINGTON HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos

Image
Snow Lake
Photo by WDFW