By:
Submission
The Smith Brook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla.
Just before reaching the gap, a boot trail follows the ridge up to an old lookout site at Mount McCausland. Less then a half a mile and 600 feet of climbing and you will reach the top, where you will have a great view of Glacier Peak to the north. There are lots of huckleberries in the meadows along this trail.
Pass over the gap and descend to Lake Valhalla. There are a number of overnight campsites and a couple of backcountry toilets at the lake, although campfires are not permitted. There is a very pleasant sandy beach at the lake as well, which is perfect for lunch and relaxing in the summer.
This hike is beautiful, but very long to the lake and was not the trail I was expecting. On AllTrails the actual start of the Lake Valhalla Trailhead is at Smithbrook Trailhead which is 6.1 miles roundtrip to the lake with 1,300 ft elevation gain. This trailhead to the lake is over 10 miles roundtrip.
Got to the trailhead at 9:50 on a Monday morning. I was only the second car in the parking lot and I was shocked. First mile is pretty rocky with some switchbacks. After the first mile it is pretty gradual incline until the turnoff for Mount McCausland. There isn’t a sign for Mount McCausland so just be on the lookout for a trail on your right. The trail gets pretty steep but the colors and views make it worth it. After I lost view of Lake Valhalla I made my way to the top of Mount McCausland. The clouds at the top made for some cool photos. The clouds were moving in very fast with the rain so I made my way down to Lake Valhalla. The views coming down McCausland are amazing. Hiking poles would be nice coming down to save the knees. I enjoyed some snacks at the lake and it started to rain but just a bit. I got back to my car at 1:05. Round trip was 8 miles and 2100 feet elevation gain. Come see these colors now! Saw a total of 10 other hikers on the trail today.
Took the long 11.8 mile hike from steven pass. The first 2-3 miles were pretty ordinary but the last 3 miles to Lake was nothing but spectacular. Best of fall when we visited it in the last weekend of Sept.
Beautiful trail with amazing views. Moderate hike be sure to bring layers the lake got very windy and rainy. @anitrone photography
Awesome hike, even in the snow! Gravel road to parking lot was in good shape. No bathrooms at the trailhead.
