Sullivan Lake is a peaceful and scenic destination nestled in a mossy, forested environment. The trail takes you along the lakeshore, through beautiful woods filled with aspen, hemlock, birch, and golden larch trees, making it a prime location for fall hiking when the larches turn gold. This easy-to-moderate trail offers a variety of landscapes, including rocky beaches, creek crossings, and excellent viewpoints of the lake and Hall Mountain. The trail is also perfect for snowshoeing in the winter.
Location: Metaline Falls, Washington
- Distance: 8.2 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Highest Point: 2,840 feet
- Best for: Fall foliage, lakeside views, winter snowshoeing
Getting There
- Drive to Sullivan Lake:
- Take SR 31 north toward Ione, Washington.
- Turn right onto Sullivan Lake Road and follow it to the East Sullivan Lake campground.
- Due to construction, you may need to park outside the campground and walk to the trailhead.
Trail Description
1. Nature Walk:
- From the marked trailhead, begin your hike on a short 0.6-mile nature walk through the woods.
- At the fork, turn right to continue along the lakeshore trail.
2. Lakeshore Views and Mossy Forests:
- The trail will wind through a damp and mossy forest, making its way to a viewpoint of Sullivan Lake.
- In the fall, enjoy the sight of golden larches dotting the landscape, contrasting with the serene blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of Hall Mountain.
3. Rocky Beaches and Creek Crossing:
- Continue following the trail along the shoreline, where you can explore rocky beaches.
- Cross Noisy Creek, then continue to Noisy Creek campground.
4. Return Option:
- You can either return the same way you came or, if you’ve left a car at Noisy Creek campground, drive back to the trailhead.
Highlights
- Golden Larches in Fall: The fall foliage here is spectacular, with the golden larches creating a breathtaking backdrop against Sullivan Lake and Hall Mountain.
- Lakeshore Exploration: The rocky beaches along the trail offer excellent spots to pause, enjoy the scenery, and take in the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.
- Noisy Creek Crossing: This area provides a tranquil atmosphere where you can stop and take in the sights and sounds of the creek.
- Winter Snowshoeing: In winter, this trail becomes a wonderful spot for snowshoeing as the surrounding area is often covered in snow, creating a serene winter wonderland.
Tips
- Best Season: Fall is ideal for seeing the golden larches, but the trail is also enjoyable in the winter for snowshoeing.
- Trail Difficult*: This is a relatively easy trail, with a gradual elevation gain, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.
- Wildlife: Be on the lookout for local wildlife, especially in the quieter sections along the creek and lake.
- Parking: Construction may require parking outside the East Sullivan Lake campground, so be prepared for a short walk to the trailhead.
Conclusion
Sullivan Lake offers a stunning mix of lakeside views, mossy forest paths, and the chance to experience the golden beauty of alpine larches in the fall. Whether you’re hiking in the fall, enjoying a peaceful snowshoe trek in winter, or simply exploring the serene shores of the lake,