Leech Lake

Hike the difficult 28.4-mile Pacific Crest Trail from White Pass to Chinook Pass, gaining 4485 feet with stunning mountain views.

The Sand Lake and Deer Lake Trail offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, guiding you through a diverse landscape of towering evergreen forests, open grasslands, and marshy areas. You'll follow gentle switchbacks, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, leading to the serene Deer Lake, an ideal spot for a picnic, and then on to Sand Lake, which transforms into a vibrant wildflower meadow in warmer months. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with 873 feet (266 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in just over an hour, making it perfect for a quick nature escape.

To plan your visit, head to the White Pass North Trailhead off US-12. Parking is usually available, but arriving early during peak season is a good strategy. The trail is family and dog-friendly, welcoming all to enjoy its natural beauty. While spring and summer showcase wildflowers, fall offers stunning foliage, and winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing, so consider the season that best suits your adventure. Be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain or snowmelt.

This trail is notable for its use of a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail and its location within the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Both Deer Lake and Sand Lake are shallow with sandy bottoms, inviting you to splash around on a warm day. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like birds, elk, and blacktail deer. The varying water levels of Sand Lake contribute to the growth of wildflowers, though this also means you might encounter mosquitoes during damper periods.

Hike the difficult 96.8-mile Pacific Crest Trail Section I from White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass, featuring Mount Rainier views and diverse ter