Rainy Lake Trail

The Rainy Lake Trail is one of the easiest and most rewarding short hikes along the North Cascades Scenic Highway. The trail is located at Rainy Pass, along State Route 20 in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, just west of Washington Pass. The trail begins at the Rainy Pass Picnic Area and Trailhead, which also serves as the starting point for the popular Maple Pass Loop.

The Rainy Lake Trail is approximately 2 miles round trip with only a 70 foot elevation gain, and follows a mostly level, paved path through a beautiful subalpine forest. Because of its gentle grade and paved surface, it is much easier than many of the mountain trails in the North Cascades. The walk is shaded for much of the way, passing through thick stands of fir and hemlock before reaching the lake.

At the end of the trail, visitors arrive at Rainy Lake, a small alpine lake tucked beneath steep, rugged mountain walls. A viewing area near the shoreline provides a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery. Waterfalls often pour down the cliffs above the lake, especially earlier in the summer when snowmelt is still feeding the surrounding streams.

We really enjoy the Rainy Lake Trail because it provides a classic North Cascades mountain setting without requiring a long or difficult hike. It is also a good choice for families, visitors with limited time, or anyone looking for an easy walk while driving the North Cascades Scenic Highway.

The Rainy Pass Trailhead is located along State Route 20 (North Cascades Scenic Highway) about 5 miles west of Washington Pass. Parking can fill quickly during busy summer weekends, especially because the same trailhead is used for the Maple Pass Loop. For visitors driving through the North Cascades, the Rainy Lake Trail is an easy and worthwhile stop that provides a close-up look at the forests, cliffs, waterfalls and alpine scenery that make this area so impressive.