2024 #17 Lanham Lake

From leavenworth.or...
This forested lake is not the most spectacular hike in the area but it’s a fun jaunt for family picnics. Part of the hike goes under power lines which make an eerie noise like sizzling bacon. The trail is steep and hot so bring water and be sure to have a healthy supply of treats to get your kids to the top. From the Stevens Pass Nordic Center find the Lanham Lake Trail at the main parking area. The trail is easy to follow and well defined. Legend has it that this lake was named after a prospector with the last name of Lanham. In the early 1900’s there was a trail leading up to a prospect hole along Lanham Creek. It’s suspected that Lanham never got very rich from this claim as the creek was never a very productive mineral source.

[@scottalpine]

As a fellow introvert it’s always nice starting a trail out in a nearly empty parking lot. A lakes surrounded by mountains are always beautiful.

[@explorationnorthwest]

Cool trip!

[@SavvyExploring]

Thanks for sharing! This trail has always seemed too short for the drive to get to it but maybe I'll have to combine it with something else some time

[@ttirremttocs]

You can continue up the road at the Nordic Center and access the PCT to Josephine Lake, which is another fairly easy hike. I have a video for that on my channel as well.

[@danielmoung9098]

Is there any old growth up there? Looks like mostly smaller trees from your video, but I couldn't tell for sure. I love old growth so i'm just curious.

[@ttirremttocs]

No old growth, sadly. Have you checked out Rockport State Park? There is a loop trail through gorgeous old growth. Also, Trail of the Cedars at Newhalem has gorgeous old growth cedars.

[@danielmoung9098]

@@ttirremttocs No I haven't been on either of those trails, but thank you for the suggestions. I live in oregon so I don't get to visit the washington cascades as much i'd like. I am planning on backpacking up to surprise lake though in mid july, I was there once with my hiking club a long time ago. I remember that trail had some really nice old growth and surprise and glacier lakes being really pretty. Another area I really want to explore someday too is the Suiattle river, there is a trail in that area called milk creek which is supposed to go one of the largest western hemlock trees in all of the cascades.

[@ttirremttocs]

@@danielmoung9098 It's my understanding that the bridge crossing the Suiattle River to the Milk Creek trail washed out several years back, so accessing Milk Creek Trail will require a potentially dangerous crossing of the Suiattle River. Ive done the Suiattle River trail up to Miner's Ridge. It looks like you could take the Suiattle River trail to the PCT and then use the PCT to access Milk Creek Trail from the back end, which I have considered.