Rainy Lake WA

6/24/26

Rainy Lake is a small lake situated underneath Preacher Mountain on the edge of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Accessed via the Middle Fork Trailhead, Rainy Lakes requires 3,000’ of elevation gain for one to gaze upon its turquoise waters. After getting some much-needed sleep, I left Bellevue at 10 and reached the trailhead just before 11.

The trail starts by crossing the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie before turning right onto the Pratt River trail. After .5 miles, I crossed Rainy Creek and hit the cutoff to the unmaintained Rainy Lake Trail. The trail follows Rainy Creek, steeply ascending through lush, forested slopes. Get ready for a lot of fallen trees, overgrown sections, and steep tree root stairs. About 1,200’ up, the trail went right next to the creek, and I popped over and found a spot along the water's edge. After a quick lunch, I got back on the trail as the grade steepened for the last mile up to the lake. Occasionally, I would break out and be greeted by short views of the surrounding area, including the majestic Mount Garfield. I topped out at 3,900’ before dropping 150’ down to Rainy Lake.

Mount Garfield

Rainy Creek

Rainy Lake is a small green lake nestled in a steep valley. I wasn’t able to find great seating, although there seemed to be some decent seating along the boulder field on the opposite side of the lake. The rocky summit of Mount Preacher peeked out above an upper ridgeline, and Preacher's lower rock walls formed a solid backdrop. I didn’t stay particularly long, as I was on a time crunch, and the bugs were out in hordes on Rainy Lake.

Rainy Lake

I flew down the trail and made it back to the trailhead 4:30 after leaving.

Rainy Lake Stats: 7 Hours – 2,900’ Gain – 4:30 C2C