Lake Dorothy Trail
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Table of contents
Lake Dorothy Trail is a moderately trafficked out-and-back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This hike leads through the East Fork of the Miller River valley to Lake Dorothy. If you want to press on a bit further, you can also access Bear Lake and Deer Lake on this trail. This is also a popular choice for short backpacking trips.
Note that the last 6.4 km of the road to the trailhead has been washed out for long stretches of time in the past, necessitating an additional walk in. This adds a long, less exciting pre-hike to your day. We recommend bringing bikes if you have them to shorten this stretch.
Route Description for Lake Dorothy Trail
Lake Dorothy is a calm, tranquil alpine lake settled into a mountain valley, flanked by two smaller lakes to the southwest. This is a lovely day hike or short backpacking adventure, although the unpredictable maintenance of the road to the trail, which is subject to washout, may unexpectedly extend your hike by 6.4 km. Bring flip-flops if this is the case, as it tends to be wet!
The hike begins at the end of the road, following a well-maintained track along the East Fork of Miller River through the valley. The elevation gain is mild for the first stretch. There is a stream crossing before the trail wraps to the right near the foot of the lake.
A spur trail on your right leads to the lakeshore, but continue on the main trail to wrap around the eastern shore of the lake and around the southern end. You can end your hike anywhere along this section, but if you want to add some length, take the switchbacks that head up the ridge to Bear and Deer Lake. It’s a short, steep sprint to a nice vantage point over all three lakes.
When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the road.
Getting to the Lake Dorothy Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Lake Dorothy Trail is at the end of National Forest Development Road 6412. If the road is washed out, park where it is safe to do so and walk to the trailhead.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Lake Dorothy Backcountry
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Lake Dorothy Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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