rainy lake

The road to rainy lake is usually closed after mid-Nov. But this year (2014) we got extremely lucky and found ourself enjoying more than a week's sunny but cold days, and the road was open! The lake was completely frozen, people was skating on it, and the scenery was stunning. Totally worth it.

This was an easy hike (paved path the entire way) to a pretty lake at the end. $5.00 to use the trail (or a park pass) which was very reasonable.

We went to the wrong car park at first but soon realised our mistake.Found a spot to park and then walked the lake did not dissapoint, it was lovely and peaceful.I liked the sings on the trees as it made the walk more interesting.Go there and relax.

A short easy trail in the North Cascade Scenic Highway a few miles after the Washington Pass Look out Post. The Trail is completely paved and is suitable for children and elderly.The trail is about two miles bothway and you have a look at a wonderful lake and scenic mountains at the end of the trail.The only snag is that look out post at the end of the trail is a very small one and gets cramped if more hikers are there. On the whole it is a nice hike with beautiful scenery on the way.

This is a very easy hike, one mile in and one mile back. The trail is completely paved and level and hence friendly for small children, those who have some mobility constraints, or (in our case) those who have already had a full day of vigorous hiking and are tired but wish to get in one last gentle walk before calling it a day. There are some small streams along the way and then at the end of the trail is a viewing deck from which to behold the stunningly beautiful cirque containing Rainy Lake.It would be nice if a trail could be constructed around the entire lake, or at least if there were a larger or multiple viewing platforms at the end. With hikes that have a vista point as their goal, you kind of want an opportunity for some quiet solitude at the endpoint in order to admire and reflect at what nature has created. This was not a crowded hike late on a Sunday afternoon in mid-July, but there were a few other parties there and voices tend to carry in this setting. I suppose if you are looking for solitude, choose a longer hike or go on a weekday.

Great place to stretch the legs if driving the N. Cascades Hwy. There are no easy trails bast the overlook at the end of the paved trail.

We did the Rainy Lake hike after coming off of a 7.8 mile hike from Maple Pass. We were there so we continued on to Rainy Lake as we had heard from another hiker that there was a moose there earlier in the morning. So we make it to the lake, but with the fires that were going on in the area, the smoke had filled the canyon where Rainy Lake is. We couldn't even see the other side of the lake because of the smoke. So, needless to say, we saw no moose. But, it is a nice hike, the trail looked to be wheel chair friendly and the scenery along the way is beautiful!

this is a very nice trip of only 2 miles (roundtrip).No elevation.Behind the lake is the Lyall Glacier with his falls.Trip of one hour.

If you have a physical condition that keeps you off steep trails, the walk to Rainy Lake is a great choice. It is a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail, 1 mile in and 1 mile out, almost entirely shaded until you reach the lake. The lake is very scenic and as nice as many you see higher up in the mountains. You are pretty much limited to a viewing platform (with two benches) at the lake unless you want to bushwhack, but this is not a trail that will attract many bushwhackers. You do need to pay to park at the picnic area ($5 per car, I think), but they also accept the Northwest Recreation Pass and the various National Park Service annual passes.

Rainy Lake is a beautiful turquoise lake in the middle of a glacial cirque, so the snow-streaked hills rise sharply around the water, and cascades plummet long distances to the surface below.The hike is handicapped-accessible and very pleasant, with great interpretive signs along the way. Round trip, it's only about a two-mile stroll, all very flat. Note that it may be closed because of snow, even in mid summer. Snowball fights are possible. The trailhead is at a picnic fee area, but they accept various national park passes.

My husband and I stopped at Rainy Lake in early August after leaving Seattle in the morning on our way to Stehekin. It was a nice short hike, only about 2 miles round trip, and the lake is beautiful. Its a great place to stop if you need a break during a long drive. One note, you have to pay to hike here, $5 maybe, but you can pay once you get there.

Rainy Lake is an awesome alpine lake anyone can go enjoy. Rainy Lake Picnic Area is near the summit of Rainy Pass on Highway 20. Make sure you have insect repellent handy. We ended up eating our lunch in the car and then put the spray on. The mosquitos can be quite thick up there. The hike to Rainy Lake is an easy 20-30 minute walk. All flat and all paved. People with wheelchairs should be able to make it to the lake. There are benches at the end where one can sit and enjoy the splendor. Rainy Lake itself is quite a beautiful lake with some mountains in the background. You can also enjoy the waterfall that feeds the lake. Even in mid-August, there was still a touch of snow here and there thanks to the strange year Western Washington had with the weather. The Northwest Forest Pass (or another Federal pass) is required for the picnic area. Rainy Lake and Washington Pass Overlook up the highway make for nice breaks when travelling the North Cascades Highway.