Lake Dorothy, Bear Lake, Deer Lake and Snoqualmie Lake
Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades
The Lake Dorothy Trail rises moderately to Lake Dorothy (1.5 miles), then steepens on rough, undulating terrain to Bear Lake (5.4 miles), Deer Lake (5.75 miles) and Snoqualmie Lake (6.95 miles). Visitors will enjoy 4 versatile, deep-woods lakes with diverse terrain, good fishing and numerous camping options.
View from Lake Dorothy's outlet, which forms the East Fork Miller River (which joins Camp Robber Creek and flows into the Skykomish River)
The Lake Dorothy Trail runs 2 miles up the east shore from outlet to inlet
The term 'old growth' is evolving, but typically refers to forests that are 150-200+ years old with abundant downed wood, snags and a multi-layered canopy
Snoqualmie Lake's large, contoured shore holds several sandy coves
Snoqualmie Lake is a major headwater of the Taylor River, which feeds the East Fork Snoqualmie River
Bear Lake (3,610') and Deer Lake (3,583') are similar in size, shape and overall aesthetic; only a thin, elevated ridge separates the two
Cedar trees resistance to decay comes from naturally occurring fungicidal compounds in the wood (thujaplicins) and thujic acid, which helps make the wood resistant to insect attack
The trail climbs 740' in just one mile from the SW side of Lake Dorothy to a ridge separating it from the Bear-Deer-Snoqualmie lakes
Native Americans used vine maple's strong but pliable wood for baskets, snowshoe frames and fishing net bows
Reinforced crib steps assist on the 530' climb from Camp Robber Creek to Lake Dorothy
The main trail only flirts with a small cove on Snoqualmie Lake before veering back into the woods; to really see it, you'll have to follow spurs to established campsites around the lake
Dorothy Lake's inlet area opens to marshy wetlands, sluices and peninsulas that extend far into the lake
A big log jam at Lake Dorothy's outlet, which is a protected, day use-only area
Interesting outcrops and several wade-able / swimmable islands are located along the east side of Dorothy
Snoqualmie Lake on the descent from Deer Lake
This trail is rough! Rock-root-rock-root conditions run almost the entire way from Lake Dorothy to Snoqualmie Lake
Lake Dorothy attracts crowds throughout the summer and early fall; consider campsites on the west side, which sees far few people
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