Lanham Lake & Sam Hill Peak

getting there

Drive SR-2 to 6 miles east of Stevens Pass and park at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center (3,300 ft).

approach & ascent

lanham lake (snowshoe)

This short, but continual ascent through trees leaves from the first parking lot at Stevens Pass Nordic Center. Head to the signed trailhead across from the nordic center and into the woods right of Lanham Creek. Head uphill occasionally crossing active nordic ski tracks that are part of the Nordic Center. It's 4.0 miles round trip with 1,100 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 4,100 ft.

Remember to look both ways for fast skiers coming through and do not step into the nordic groomed tracks. The trail is well marked and after climbing up the narrow side of Lanham Creek, the trail clears into open forest next to the lake. Remember to follow the drainage to the lake rather than head uphill or towards the West where slopes get steeper. Optionally, one can travel to the south end of the lake, but only do so when avalanche danger is low as the flanks of Jim Hill are dangerous in high snow levels.

sam hill peak (winter scramble)

Follow the trail to Lantham Lake, then continue south/southwest to the head of Lantham Creek.  Ascend a gully to the south and at its head heat left up a treed ridge line.  From the basin northwest of Sam Hill attain the summit by its north ridge.It's 7.0 miles round trip with 3,500 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 5,938 ft.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, May, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Winter Scramble, Moderate
• Length: 4.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
• High Point: 4,100 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12