Kendall Peak Lakes

Popular in the winter as an intermediate snowshoeing route, Kendall Peak Lakes is less-frequently visited in the summertime. But if you're OK with hiking a Forest Service road for most of your outing, you can enjoy a nice, somewhat-quiet hike with good views of Snoqualmie Pass. Keep in mind finding the route can be challenging, so be prepared when you head up. 

The route begins on closed Forest Road 9090, where you will hike for three miles to a switchback at 4100 feet. Once there, Be on the lookout for an unmarked and unmaintained boot trail above the switchback corner and follow the faint path to first of three lakes. 

From here, the trail becomes more primitive, little more than a boot track. After leaving the road, it climbs steeply to the first lake. Once there, take a break and enjoy the view, complete with Kendall Peak towering overhead. To continue on to the second lake, follow the track around the right-hand shore and climb it steeply. The only available camping is at the second lake. If you want to continue to the third lake, keep in mind it is a steep scramble. 

Past the second lake, the trail becomes more difficult to follow. Stay to the shore on the right and then cross an inlet stream. The trail to the third lake switchbacks up the hill. In the right season, there are lots of wildflowers in evidence along the trail. elephant’s head (look closely at the pink blossoms) and other wetland meadow flowers at the first lake.