Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington
Distance: 2 Miles Out and Back Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 Feet
Season: June-October
Foot Traffic: Moderate
Date Hiked: Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Overview
Let me just start by saying that North Cascades National Park is one of my favorites in the entire park system. I feel that it is highly underrated, although this has been changing in recent years. North Cascades still doesn’t see nearly the traffic that some of the other big name parks do. This entire area is stunning and you really cannot go wrong with any hike you choose. The 2 mile, round trip, hike to Rainy Lake is splendid and a great option for those short on time or who are just looking for a shorter, easier trail. The more spectacular option would be to hike the phenomenal 7 mile Maple Pass Loop, which starts from the same parking area as the Rainy Lake trail. Regardless of which trail you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Rainy Lake is located in the Ross Lake area of North Cascades National Park. A little more than 30 minutes from Diablo Lake. The trail starts from the huge parking and picnic area. Although Rainy Lake sits at an elevation of just over 1,000 feet, it screams, high altitude, alpine lake. It reminds me of many of the alpine lakes in the high sierra. Rainy Lake is tucked into a little bowl with a dramatic mountain backdrop and Rainy Lake Falls dripping down the side of the mountain on the backside of the lake. The waters are clear and the scene is serene and peaceful. This is one of the best short hikes in all of North Cascades National Park
Trail Description
My wife and I arrived at the Rainy Lake picnic area and trailhead at around 8 AM. Very few people were around and the surroundings were unbelievable. I could have literally been content just sitting in the parking area, that’s how beautiful this place. From the parking lot, we walked briefly back down the road before seeing a signed trail for Rainy Lake heading right and into the forest. The trail is incredibly well maintained and paved for the entirety of the 1 mile trip to the lake. A few brief up and downs led my wife and I through a spectacular forest canopy. Overall the trail is fairly level with very little elevation gain. I was actually surprised at exactly how well maintained the trail was. It felt like more of a paved nature trail than your typical hiking trail.
I’m usually in a rush to make it to my destination, but the trail was so beautiful that we casually strolled and took in our surroundings along the nearly vacant morning trail. Before we knew it, we reached a clearing and Rainy Lake came into view. It hadn’t felt as though we had gone a mile but we had. Directly in front of us was a little deck and viewing area. Rainy lake was crystal clear and an epic backdrop of jagged mountains lined the back of the lake.
Rainy lake falls slowly trickled from the very top of the mountain all the way down to the lake, reminding me a bit of Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.
Summary of the Rainy Lake Trail
I wouldn’t say I was surprised at the beauty of this lake, but I was definitely overwhelmed at the site of it. My wife and I followed a few use trails around the right side of the lake for a bit. The best views, however, are from the dock and viewing platform. I was so glad we started our morning off by hiking to this short, little gem. If only every morning could start with such beauty and peacefulness. We joked and sat around a lot on the mile trek back to the car to prolong the morning. The Rainy Lake trail was such a delight and for anyone who is in the area, you would be sadly mistaken if you were to miss hiking it.
Getting to the Rainy Lake Trailhead
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes. A recreation pass is required when parked.
- A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead or online ahead of your visit.
- $30 Annual pass which can be bought online. This pass is honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, vault toilets are located in the parking area.
Fishing is allowed at Rainy Lake, however, a Washington State fishing license is required to fish and all state game laws apply.
The forest service states that this is a wheelchair accessible trail.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
