Skyline Lake & Heather Ridge View
WillhiteWeb.com
On of the most popular winter snowshoe destinations is Skyline Lake above Stevens Pass. Park your car at the pass and find the groomed trail out of the NW parking lot. The route is almost always trampled down or groomed by a machine. The route is steep at times but even kids can be found hiking up. Just before the lake, the trail splits. To the right is a dead-end but viewpoint. Go left to the lake. Once the lake is frozen, the trail just goes across, although many are too scared. Snowshoeing uphill past the lake, you will find a rock garden that is popular for taking pictures. Above the garden is Heather Ridge, a rocky highpoint that offers big views. On the ridge, a bit of caution is needed if you are new to steep slopes.
On the way up, you will pass this structure. Learn more:
If you reach the lake but want more adventure, see this page:
Lake Elevation: 5,092 feet
Hiking Distance: 1 mile to the lake
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet to the lake, 500 more to ridge
Access: Paved Roads
Hiking up the groomed trail
Skyline Lake
View to the east from the trail split just before the lake
Rock garden
Sitting in the rock garden
Looking down at Skyline Lake from Heather Ridge
Tye Peak from Heather Ridge
Looking south down Highway 2
Panoramic to the east and south
Looking north
Yellow is the route of the usually packed trail, yellow dots show snowshoe route to rock garden and ridge views.
On the ridge just below Heather Ridge highpoint