Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap

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Hwy 410 Hikes
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Sheep Lake is a popular alpine lake with easy access using the Pacific Crest Trail out of Chinook Pass. It is a good destination for an easy backpack or day trip with kids. The first mile traverses above the highway, then the trail goes into a meadowed bowl away from the highway noise. Since this is the Pacific Crest Trail, permits are not needed but campsites do fill up quick. For continued views, keep going on the trail to Sourdough Gap. Nearby peaks are fairly easy scrambles so there is a lot to do, or just swim in the lake. Visiting during the Fall season reduces the crowds considerably but be aware when the pass is scheduled to close that year.
Lake Elevation: 5,750 feet
Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles one-way to lake
Elevation Gain: 400 feet to lake
Access: Paved
Drive Highway 410 to the parking areas on the East side of Chinook Pass. The PCT traverses over the hiking bridge and just above the lower parking lot. Take the trail hiking north. The route goes above the road about a half mile, then into a basin and the trees.
Access:
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Looking East down Highway 410 from the trailhead
Hiking north on the PCT
Looking South from just above the lake
Sheep Lake
Looking North from Sourdough Gap
Looking Northeast from Sourdough Gap
Looking down at Sheep Lke and Chinook Pass from near Sourdough Gap
Dewey Peak (left) Adams (center in distance) Naches Peak (right)

Sheep Lake Trips around 1990

My brother and I hiking to Sheep Lake and camping.
Sheep Lake and Chinook Peak
Looking back at the parking area. No restrooms in 1990.
sunrise