This
trek along the Pacific Crest Trail to Lake Valhalla is a easy to
moderate hike for about 3.2 miles from Smith Brook Creek Trail Head.
From the trailhead, you traverse through the North Cascade forest
through a series of switchbacks for about one mile, which some may
consider to be gentle or lazy; but only if you are a pack mule.
Once you reach Union Gap you enter the Pacific Crest Trail in which you
traverse southwest through deep forest and open slopes. Along the way,
if the season permits, you can snack on wild blueberries. Once you
reach your maximum elevation of about 5100 feet, you will begin to view
your first vistas of Lake Valhalla, and what beautiful vistas they are.
Soon you will reach a side trail that will descend to the Lake. At this
point you can venture onto the shore and its sandy beach. Link yourself into this adventure via the links listed below.