Lake Valhalla (4,838') is located 5.75 miles north of Stevens Pass along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. This 24 acre lake fills a large bowl capped by Lichtenberg Mountain (5,844') and Mount McCausland (5,747'). It features several desirable campsites, sandy beaches and a large Westslope Cutthroat Trout population.

Valhalla is derived from the Old Norse word 'Valholl', which translates to 'hall of the slain'

Lichtenberg Mountain (5,844') stands prominently over the lake; no trail leads to the summit, and some climbers feel it's more accessible in the winter on skins

After a long, steady climb on wooded switchbacks, the forest breaks at 5.0 miles across an open slope to a saddle over the Valhalla basin

Westslope Cutthroats are native to Washington; they occur naturally on the east side of the Cascades, and prefer pristine headwater streams and alpine lakes

The PCT runs approximately 500 miles through Washington, from Bridge of the Gods on the Columbia River (south) to Monument 78 on the Canadian border (north)

Mount McCausland (5,747') is the other prominent peak over Valhalla; it was named after local Forest Service veteran Norm McCausland

A day at the beach?! It can feel that way, especially in the fall when water levels are low

The PCT passes through several berry-filled meadows with serviceable campsites before reaching the lake

Lake Valhalla is also accessible from the Smithbrook Trailhead, a shorter and less demanding route

After a fairly mundane 1.75 miles from Stevens Pass alomg the old rail bed, the PCT bends NW over Nason Creek with your first look at the south face of Lichtenberg

The mythological 'Valhalla' - hall of the fallen - is where Norse god Odin would house worthy slain warriors for the purpose of battling the wolf Fenrir

Boot tracks branch out from the saddle over the lake to dry campsites and good views over the basin

Subalpine meadows have a very short growing season and are slow to repair; visitors are asked to remain on designated trails and existing paths at all times