Cora Lake

Picture by Braden Henricksen

Title: Cora Lake

 Pass/Permit: None

 Length: 1.4 Miles Round Trip

 Elevation: 400 ft gain, 3850 ft high point

 Difficulty: Easy

 

Description:

With a few easy creek crossings, old growth forest, and a beautiful lake to swim in, this is the perfect hike to take the kids on when visiting Rainier. The trail climbs slowly from the trailhead to the first crossing of Big Creek, which is usually navigable with some rock hopping by early summer. The trail switchbacks to the second crossing of Big Creek, slightly wider than the first. After this crossing, the trail makes a short steep climb to Cora Lake, with some great places for picnicking while enjoying the views of High Rock lookout towering above.

 

Latest Updates:

Check out WTA and AllTrails for current trail conditions! 

 

Directions/ Road Conditions:

From Ashford, drive Hwy 706 east for 2.4 miles. Turn south onto Skate Creek (Kernahan) Road and drive this for about 5 miles. Make another right onto Forest Service Road 84 and continue straight for 4.2 miles then another right onto FR-8420. Follow this for 1.6 miles until you arrive at the trailhead on your left. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so be sure to stop in Ashford before you head up!

 

Coordinates: 46.7278, -121.9519