Summer of Hiking : Lake Valhalla

The parking lot at Lake Valhalla was nearly full when we arrived a little after 9 am on a Sunday morning. We were staying in a cabin on the Wenatchee River nearby and very much wanted to hike this trail, so finding parking in the lot was a blessing. The trail was busy but everyone we encountered donned their masks as we approached, and the trail provided opportunities to safely step aside to allow others to pass.
Who knew that the majestic hall of slain warriors presided over by the Norse god Odin was in the cascades just east of Stevens Pass? Its roof adorned with the golden shields of those lost in battle, an endless feast contained within. Well, not really, this Valhalla is filled with families escaping the summer heat and dogs chasing sticks thrown by barefoot hikers. While lacking the golden roof of Norse Mythology, this lake lives up to its mythical counterpart. It’s stunningly beautiful.
There are two paths to this Valhalla and neither involves dying in battle. The first path starts in the Stevens Pass parking lot and is the longer of the two, the other departs from the Smithbrook Trailhead on Forrest Service Road 67 a few miles east of the pass. We chose the latter and shorter, at around 6 miles round trip, for our journey. Most of the 1300’ of elevation gain is made in the first mile between the trailhead and the Pacific Crest Trail. The switchbacks, while numerous, are not all that strenuous and the trail is not overly technical. Once you meet up with the PCT the path levels and gently climbs to Union Gap, a small notch between Mt Lichtenburg and Mt McCausland. Even in late summer you may find snow tucked away just off the trail, Bonnie was thrilled to see the cold white stuff.
Once you crest the gap the rocky peaks of the North Cascades appear on the horizon as the trail begins to descend towards the lake below. The trail levels again and you will encounter a large camping area under an old rock fall (there is no camping on the lake itself). To the left you will see a small wooden sign pointing the way to the lake (an arrow and “lake access” carved into it), to the right the PCT continues its journey south to Mexico. After a flowery meadow you will be greeted by a large flat rock outcropping, the dramatic rock face of Mt Lichtenburg rising from the water before you. Slightly hidden trails to either side of this rock will lead you to two sandy beaches lining the shores of the lake. This trail continues around the north end of the lake and can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily there are plenty of places to spread out on the lakes edge for a quick lunch or swim before heading back up the trail.
Happy hiking, stay safe.
Shot with a Panasonic Gh5, Atomos Ninja V, a Panasonic 12-35mm, and a Rokinon 8mm.
Music by jim Godreau
©2020 MKHmfg/Ben Rupp