Easton, Washington sits in one of the best hiking corridors in the Pacific Northwest. With Snoqualmie Pass to the west, the Cascade Range surrounding you, and miles of forest trails in every direction, you're never far from a great hike.
Whether you're looking for a mellow lakeside stroll or a challenging summit push, here are 10 trails worth exploring during your stay at Alpine Lakes Lodge.
On-Property Trails at Alpine Lakes Lodge
Before you even leave the property, there's plenty to explore on our 54 private acres.
1. Lakeside Loop Trail
Distance: ~1 mile | Difficulty: Easy | Best for: Families, morning walks
A gentle loop connecting our 4 private lakes with views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Flat terrain, well-maintained, and you'll likely spot deer, birds, and our resident sheep and alpacas along the way. No better way to start your morning.
2. Forest Ridge Trail
Distance: ~1.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Best for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers
Winds through old-growth forest on the property with gentle elevation changes. Shaded most of the day, making it a great option during warm summer afternoons. Keep an eye out for wildlife — deer are frequent visitors.
Nearby Trails (Within 30 Minutes)
3. Iron Horse State Park Trail (John Wayne Pioneer Trail)
Distance: Up to 100+ miles (do as much as you like) | Difficulty: Easy | Best for: Biking, walking, families
A converted rails-to-trails path that runs through Easton. Flat, wide, and paved in sections — great for cycling, jogging, or a family walk. The trail passes through old railroad tunnels and over trestles with stunning valley views. Access it right from Easton.
Trailhead: Easton Trailhead, less than 5 minutes from Alpine Lakes Lodge
4. Lake Easton State Park Trails
Distance: 1-3 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Best for: Families, casual hikers
Several short trails loop through the state park, offering lake access, forest walks, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a swimming beach and picnic areas — combine a hike with a swim for a full day out.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~5 minutes
5. Kachess Beacon Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Best for: Intermediate hikers looking for views
Climbs steadily through forest to a former fire lookout site above Kachess Lake. The reward: panoramic views of Kachess Lake, Keechelus Lake, and the surrounding Cascade peaks. Well worth the effort.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~20 minutes
6. Gold Creek Pond Trail
Distance: 1 mile loop | Difficulty: Easy | Best for: Families, photographers
A paved, ADA-accessible trail around a stunning alpine pond with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding peaks. One of the most photographed spots near Snoqualmie Pass. Popular but beautiful.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~25 minutes west on I-90
Challenging Hikes (30-60 Minutes Away)
7. Snow Lake Trail
Distance: 7 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate to hard | Best for: Experienced hikers
One of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail climbs through forest and open meadows to Snow Lake, a large alpine lake surrounded by dramatic rock walls. Start early — the parking lot fills up on summer weekends.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~30 minutes west on I-90
8. Rachel Lake Trail
Distance: 8 miles round trip | Difficulty: Hard | Best for: Strong hikers
A challenging but rewarding hike through old-growth forest to a pristine alpine lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The last mile is steep with switchbacks, but the turquoise lake and mountain views are unforgettable.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~25 minutes
9. Kendall Katwalk via Pacific Crest Trail
Distance: 12 miles round trip | Difficulty: Hard | Best for: Advanced hikers
A bucket-list hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to a narrow rock ledge carved into a mountainside. Breathtaking views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from the Katwalk. Only attempt this in good weather — the exposure is real.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~30 minutes west on I-90
10. Hex Mountain
Distance: 6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Best for: Fall foliage, wildflowers
A steady climb through forest to a summit with 360-degree views of the Cascades, including Mt. Rainier on clear days. Spectacular in fall when the larches turn golden. Less crowded than the I-90 corridor hikes.
Distance from Alpine Lakes Lodge: ~25 minutes
Trail Tips for Your Visit
- Best months for hiking: June through October — trails at higher elevations may have snow into July
- Parking: National Forest parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year)
- Wildlife: Bears, cougars, and rattlesnakes are present — make noise on trails, carry bear spray on wilderness hikes
- Water: Bring plenty of water, especially on longer hikes — there are no water sources on most trails
- Dogs: Allowed on most trails but must be leashed in wilderness areas. Check trail-specific rules before heading out
- Cell service: Limited in the area — download offline maps (AllTrails or Google Maps) before you head out
Make It a Hiking Getaway
After a day on the trails, come back to Alpine Lakes Lodge for a paddle on the lake, a campfire under the stars, or just a quiet evening on the porch watching the alpacas graze.
Our cabins, tiny homes, lodge, and RV sites are the perfect basecamp for exploring the Snoqualmie Pass hiking corridor. We're open year-round and just 80 minutes from Seattle.