Rainy Lake

From Rainy Lake

Saturday, June 21st
Elevation gain: None
Length: 1 mile one way
Time taken: 20 minutes one way

If you happen to be traveling across the Cascade Mountains in the Washington state via highway 20, you will cross Rainy Pass and Washington Pass. At Rainy pass, a quarter mile off the road is a trail head for trails to Rainy Lake (1.0 mile). Parking payment is required at the trail head.

Its a paved trail running by the hill side. Even in this month of June, there is snow on the trail at several places along the way. The hike is fairly uneventful until the lake front suddenly presents itself with exquisite views of the high cliffs with snow capped peaks and walls surrounding the Rainy Lake adorned with waterfalls. It is a refreshing retreat for travelers crossing the mountains via Hwy-20.

At the lake front is a picnic spot with paved opening and benches. The trail continues from here with the option of a loop finally ending at the trail head. I headed back the way I came as I still had more traveling to do to get to my final destination of the Pearrygin State Park near Winthrop on the East side of the mountains.

From Rainy Lake