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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

    Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    19.8 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    947 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail is a heavily trafficked out-and-back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that provides lovely lake views, wildflowers, and ridgelines. It’s a longer trail at almost 20.0 km, and as such it’s often used for both day trips and backpacking adventures, and the trail can be hiked further or kept short while still being enjoyable.

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    Route Description for Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail

    The hike to Rainbow Lake is a wonderful breath of fresh air, with streams, lakes, and mountains peeking through the vibrant forest. The wildflowers in summer are great, but the serenity in the shoulder season is also a draw.

    The hike begins from the Granite Mountain Trailhead. Take Pratt Lake Trail #1007 north, crossing the stream and then curving back to cross it again, then two more. This is a common theme: there are lots of water crossings on this hike!

    After a wide left turn, you’ll traverse west, gaining elevation and crossing countless streams and creeks. The trail curves north again around the foot of the mountain beside you, and you should be able to see Talapus Lake below on your left.

    Wrap around the north end of Olallie Lake, heading left under the ridge leading to Pratt Mountain. If you start switchbacking above Olallie, you’ve taken the wrong trail. It’s a straight shot to Rainbow Lake from here.

    After enjoying the lakeshore, you can either turn back and retrace your steps, wander down to Mason Lake, or set up camp at one of the nearby sites.

    Getting to the Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the hike to Rainbow Lake on Pratt Lake Trail is on National Forest Development Road 9034 off I-90.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Talapus Lake Backcountry Camping

    • When to do

      April-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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    Rainbow Lake via Pratt Lake Trail Reviews

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