Trip Report
Day Hike - Trap Lake
Less used trail to a beautiful lake (much of it on the PCT). First 1.5 miles is steep, and somewhat rocky in places. Once you reach Hope Lake you're on the PCT, and the trail is more gradual.
Daniel Henwood
- Sun, Oct 13, 2024
- Day Hike - Trap Lake
- Hope & Mig Lakes
- Day Hiking
- Successful
-
- Road rough but passable
-
The first 1.5 miles is steep, all the way to Hope Lake. This section of the trail would be more difficult if it were raining or soaked, and would be slippery due to the steepness and trail surface. There are a few places where you have to be careful due to roots and logs, especially on the return trip. Once at Hope Lake, you join the PCT and the trail is in great condition, with a much gentler climb to Trap Lake. There are a few small stream crossings, but nothing significant (just muddy in places).
The turn off from Highway 2 onto Forest Road 6095 is NOT marked, so be alert as you approach the turnoff. The road into the TH is rough in places, but all vehicles should be able to make it fine. You don't need any passes, but they do have self-service wilderness permits at the TH. However, there were no blank permits to fill out when we were there. There is not a lot of parking right at the TH, so you may have to park along the road (not far from the TH).
The first section of trail is steep and doesn't let up at all until you reached Hope Lake (1.5 miles), with about 2000' of elevation gain. We took a longer break at Hope Lake, then joined the PCT from there, with another 500' of elevation gain to the junction to Trap Lake, about 3.5 miles further.
You exit the PCT on the left, and drop 200' to Trap Lake. We couldn't see Trap Lake from the PCT, and the trail junction is not marked at all, so be on the lookout as you approach the area. If you start climbing steeply again, then you've gone past the lake and are headed to Trap Pass.
We had spectacular fall colors on our hike, with sunny skies and temps in the low 60s, and everyone really enjoyed the hike. There are some exposed sections of the trail, with great views of surrounding peaks and the ash and huckleberry bushes were bright reds and yellows. We heard numerous picas along the route, and woodpeckers and other birds.
There is a nice open meadow area at the head of Trap Lake, where we had lunch and soaked up the sun, enjoying each other's company.
We had a great hike, and there was low traffic on this route. Highly recommended!
