Sure, you can hike the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Canada, but maybe you’d just like to sample the trail on a day hike.
That’s easy to do, with access from U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass. Try this moderate hike to Lake Valhalla, about five miles north of the pass, for changing views of forest, open meadows, mountain peaks and, finally, the lake.
From Stevens Pass (elevation 4,056 feet), the trail begins behind a power substation at a large parking area on the north (left, heading east) side of U.S. 2.
Fairly level for more than a mile, it winds through brush and woods until it opens up a bit more in the Nason Creek drainage, less than two miles in.
The trail starts climbing, enters the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Area and reaches a pretty meadow at about three miles.
Then it steepens a bit more, heading up to a boulder-strewn slide area below Lichtenberg Mountain. Elevation here is about 5,000 feet. Just past the slide area, the lake can be seen about 200 feet below. Side trails lead to the lake for a closer look, or overnight camping, if you wish.
Ron Ramey, Herald Writer
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