HIKING / BACKPACKING

Distance: 3.4 miles round trip Hiking Time: 2.5 hours High Point: 5100 feet

Elevation Gain: 900 feet in, 250 feet out Maps: USGS Labyrinth Mountain
Greentrails - Bendunark Mountain #144

Starting from Smith Brook Road and heading up the cut-off to the Crest Trail the route into Valhalla is easy. Once the Pacific Crest Trail is met, head south on the trail toward Stevens pass and enjoy the trip to Valhalla (the Norse word for heaven). A good view of the lake is found from the ridge just before you drop into the lake. If arrangements for a ride were made at Stevens Pass, head on down the Crest Trail and on the final approach to the pass follow the old Great Northern Railroad grade where locomotives once used switchbacks over Stevens Pass before the turn of the Century.

Directions: Follow US 2 east past Stevens Pass and turn left (north) onto Smith Brook road from the divided part of the highway. Follow the road to the trailhead found on steep hillside and most likely numerous cars parked along the road at the Smith Brook Trailhead.