The loop portion of this trail was completed in June. The loop is about 21⁄2 miles. One can add about three miles by hiking to the end of a portion of the original trail.
The parking area is not large and Pass Lake is a fly fishing hub. The lake is open year-round. It is most popular during spring and early summer.
A new section of trail means great tread. It’s soft and easy on the knees because it hasn’t been packed down by the boots of thousands of hikers.
Hikers can thank Pacific Northwest Trail members for the new path.
The Trek: After parking, pass the marker for the trail and head uphill. There are signs of trail maintenance such as cut logs and trimmed brush.
It’s only moments before Pass Lake can be seen through the trees below. The view is obstructed because massive cedars and Douglas firs call this area home.
Take time to inspect the bark and the height of the trees that are still standing. Winter storms ravaged this area and the fallen trees are too numerous to count.
At an intersection, continue to the right on the main trail. The trail to the left will be the return route.
After traipsing around a bend, descend a steep, rocky section of trail as you make your way above the west end of Pass Lake. The lake’s blue waters can be seen through the trees.
The nettles along the trail aren’t bad — yet.
Reaching a fork, the trail leading straight is blocked by a plastic barricade. The trail you are on hairpins to the left.
Immediately to the right is another trail that heads uphill. Taking this leads to the out-and-back portion of the trail. Take the trail to the right, leaving the lake behind and heading into the woods.
Once on top of the ridge, descend into a valley of greenery. Be on the lookout for a wall of moss and ferns.
The trail heads downward. At the bottom of the descent, make your way across a log that spans dark, thick mud. Hike up a hill and through a section of swamp upon a myriad of boards, branches and limbs.
After negotiating the bog, burst out of the woods and into what appears to be the remnants of an orchard.
Take a trail of waist-high grass to a county road. Turn around and retrace your steps to the intersection.
This time, proceed right and head uphill. The trail turns from double-wide to single track just before reaching an old road. Traipse along the road for about a quarter-mile before it disappears and the trail reappears.
The trail becomes overgrown before once again giving way to an old logging road. Continue downhill.
When a large iron gate comes into view, look for a trail to the left. This is the new section of trail that completes the loop. Signs of trail building are abundant along this path. Cut logs, trimmed brush, fresh dirt and removed rocks are mixed with the natural landscape.
Hike up one side of a hill and down the other, dropping into a thick valley of green. Eventually, the lake comes back into view.
Reaching a ‘T’ intersection, go right to return to the rig.
Distance: 51⁄2 miles
Destination: Loop trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Getting there: Highway 20 toward Deception Pass. Turn right on Rosario Road, then right into the parking area for Pass Lake. The trailhead is marked with a plaque.
Pass Lake
Vince Richardson
The Pass Lake Trail now consists of a complete loop.
This article has been viewed 62 times
Previous Hike• Lime Kiln Trail |
Next Hike• Snoqualmie Falls |
Other Recent Hikes
Most Read Stories
Top Jobs
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
Boat manufacturer is seeking experienced Aluminum Welder/Fitters. 2 years minimum experience in welding…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
Boat manufacturer is seeking experienced Aluminum Welder/Fitters. 2 years minimum experience in welding…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
