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Seattle, WA: Minotaur Lake
This 3.4-mile hike to Minotaur Lake boasts huckleberry-filled meadows and seasonal wildflowers, not to mention five-star views of two alpine lakes.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Washington (WA) |
| Distance: | 3.43 mi |
| Difficulty: | 6 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Labyrinth Mountain |
| Rating: |
 1 rating(s)
|
This 3.4-mile hike starts with a stiff climb that unfurls up the mountainside—you’ll gain 1,300 feet in the first mile. The trail climbs through a thick conifer corridor, offering several resting points with picturesque views of Nason Ridge and a trailside creek. At .8 mile, the terrain levels out for a well-earned cruise across lush meadows speckled with huckleberries and seasonal wildflowers—you'll also pass a small waterfall. Minotaur Lake comes into view after 1.4 miles of hiking. On wind-free days, the rugged slopes and ridges surrounding the lake are reflected in Minotaur's pristine, glassy waters. From here, the route ascends the ridge separating Minotaur Lake and Theseus Lake where panoramic views extend in every direction.
-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography
TO TRAILHEAD: I-5 N to WA 520 E to I-405 N (toward Everett) to WA 522 E to Stevens Pass Hwy./US 2 E. In 54.1 miles, left onto NF 6700/Smithbrook Rd. In 1.9 miles, sharp left to stay on NF 6700. In 2.9 miles, left to stay on NF 6700. In 1.9 miles, left onto unsigned road. Go .9 mile; park on side of road.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
MIN01
| Distance: 3.43 mi | Points: 664 |
Points of Interest
MIN001
Location: 47.827789, -121.030693From trailhead on north side of road, begin an immediate uphill climb into thick second-growth forest
MIN002
Location: 47.829449, -121.030121Catch your breath overlooking the creek. Ahead, keep plowing up steep, forested terrain; views of the creek fade away until higher elevations
MIN003
Location: 47.831863, -121.031616Turn around for southeast views of Rock Mountain’s barren slopes rising up from Nason Ridge, then continue plunging upward for more steep climbing
MIN004
Location: 47.835419, -121.033440Pass a boundary sign marking the entrance into Henry Jackson Wilderness. Ahead, breathing becomes easier as trail levels out
MIN005
Location: 47.836273, -121.033417Trail bends to the NE and levels out. Wind through lush meadows speckled with huckleberries, early summer wildflowers, and (in fall) brilliantly colored foliage
MIN006
Location: 47.840611, -121.033440As you pass through semi-open meadows, listen and look for a small waterfall on the right—a scenic spot to grab a snack
MIN007
Location: 47.843094, -121.034508Sounds of the tumbling trailside creek can still be heard as path briefly climbs a steep, open slope scattered with silver snags from a previous fire. Look for nesting birds in the dead trees
MIN008
Location: 47.844326, -121.035255Path meets the southeast tip of Minotaur Lake. On wind-free days, Labyrinth Mountain’s rugged ridgeline and scree-filled gullies are reflected in the lake’s glassy waters. Next, turn right for an easy crossing of the creek outlet; continue ascent of the ridge that rises up from Minotaur’s east banks
MIN009
Location: 47.846176, -121.035851From the ridgetop separating Minotaur Lake and Theseus Lake, look down 500 feet to the deep blues of Theseus Lake on the right. The Chiwawa Mountains, White Mountains, and the Poet Ridge rise in the east. Want more views? Keep moving...
MIN010
Location: 47.847744, -121.037453Panoramas extend in every direction; in early summer, wildflowers blanket the ridge meadows. Turn around and retrace steps to trailhead, or continue north-northwest on boot path toward Labyrinth Mountain for higher views overlooking the lakes and beyond
An island on Theasus Lake
Location: 47.846176, -121.035828© Alan Bauer
Minotaur Lake
Location: 47.846882, -121.036652© Alan Bauer
Minotaur Lake
Location: 47.847260, -121.036880© Alan Bauer
Falls Colors
Location: 47.847755, -121.037376© Alan Bauer
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