Peek-a-boo Lake — peaceful little lake and peek-a-boo mountain views
Quick Facts:
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 5.0 miles
Elevation gain: 1600 feet
Green Trails Maps: Mountain Loop Highway 111 SX
Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District
Notes: Access road is rough and brushy in spots. High clearance necessary.
Access: From Darrington follow the Mountain Loop Highway south for 8.5 miles, turning right onto Forest Road 2080 (the turnoff is just before the Sauk River bridge). Continue on FR 2080 for 1.1 miles and turn right onto FR 2081. Follow this road for 3.5 miles and bear left onto FR 2086. After 1 mile reach the trailhead at the road end (elev. 3200 ft
Good to Know: exceptional old-growth; kid-friendly, dog-friendly
Sitting in a peaceful little cirque on a ridge high above the Sauk River is pretty little Peek-a-boo Lake. The trail begins on an old logging road in scrappy forest, but quickly transitions to true trail in impressive old growth. Climbing gently at first, the grade soon intensifies leading up a thickly forested 4,350-foot ridge. Massive hemlock, fir, and cedar as well as babbling brooks and a lush understory of greenery help keep your attention off of the climb.
The trail then begins to lose some of that hard-earned elevation gain, and after a half mile breaks out into a picturesque parkland meadow. Pass by a delightful little tarn and continue through more meadows. Using care not to trounce delicate vegetation, leave the trail for the eastern edge of the meadow for a breathtaking view of White Chuck Mountain and Mount Pugh hovering over the Sauk River Valley.
Peek-a-boo still waits, so head back to the trail where it returns to forest dropping about 300-feet on rough tread to the placid body-of-water in an emerald bowl of stately evergreens. Now enjoy Peek-a-boo Lake fully revealed. A refreshing swim-an afternoon nap-a little fishing-or just an afternoon of pure relaxation!
For more detailed information on this hike and many others nearby and beyond , consult my Day Hiking North Cascades 2ed edition book.
