Sheep Lake

The Sheep Lake Trail offers a delightful escape into alpine beauty, following a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail through open forests and wildflower-filled meadows. You'll find yourself at the tranquil Sheep Lake, a clear subalpine gem reflecting the surrounding green conifers, making for a picturesque and rewarding destination. The terrain is generally easy, well-trodden, and never steep, perfect for a relaxing day out.

To plan your visit, aim for mid-July through October, but always confirm that Chinook Pass is open, as snow can close the road. Parking at the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass. The lake's shallow waters warm up pleasantly in the summer, inviting a refreshing dip after your 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike, which involves 509 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain and takes just over an hour.

This easy route is incredibly family and dog-friendly, lying outside Mount Rainier National Park, and is known for its abundant wildflowers and potential wildlife sightings like deer and marmots. For those seeking more, an additional mile past Sheep Lake leads to Sourdough Gap, offering expansive views of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, though this section is steeper and can hold snow later into the season.

Hike 4.1 miles (6.6 km) to Crystal Lake via Sourdough Gap and Sheep Lake, a moderate route with panoramic views and wildflowers.

Hike the moderate 6.3-mile Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap trail for panoramic mountain views, wildflowers, and a taste of the PCT.