Hester Lake Trail
Hester Lake is a deep blue lake nestled into Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, seemingly far away from everything else. The trail was vastly improved after some maintenance, making it much easier to follow than it previously was. Expect little traffic on this 16.1 km hard hike.
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Route Description for Hester Lake Trail
Hester Lake Tail got a bit of a facelift recently, and it’s far less overgrown than it once was. Make use of this to enjoy a scenic, lightly trafficked trek to a pretty alpine lake.
The hike begins at the Dutch Miller Gap Trailhead. Take the trail behind the pit toilets as it roughly follows Dingford Creek. You’ll cross over at Pumpkinseed Creek Falls. There is another creek crossing shortly after, and do be advised that the crossing can be impassable in the early spring. In summer, you shouldn’t have an issue.
After crossing the creek, three more crossings follow afterwards. Stay straight at the junction with a trail up to Horseshoe Lake, and then right at the junction with Dingford Creek Trail. Several more creek crossings later, you’ll head up a couple of short switchbacks turns to Hester Lake, perched up above.
After enjoying the lake, you’ll return on the same trail you came in on.
Getting to the Hester Lake Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for Hester Lake Trail is at the end of National Forest Development Road 5620 at the Dutch Miller Gap Trailhead.
Route Information
Hester Lake Trail Elevation Graph
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