The Hiker Mama

Rainy Lake

Distance: 2.0 Miles RT

Elevation Gain: 70 feet

Season: Mid-summer to early fall

Maps: Green Trails No. 50, Washington Pass

Description: This paved subalpine trail is touted as being wheelchair accessible, so most children will be able to navigate it easily. Starting from the Rainy Pass Trailhead, you’ll parallel the highway for a short distance before heading away into the lake basin. Mountains tower around, reflecting on the clear water. Larches turn golden in the fall.

Directions: Drive Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, to the Rainy Pass Trailhead, Milepost 158. Park in the large parking lot to the right of the highway. There are picnic tables and privies available. You’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park. Note: this parking lot gets very full in summer, and especially on fall weekends. There is another parking lot across the highway to the north that you can use if the main one is full.