Adventures with Jake: Keechelus Lake & Iron Horse Trail Excursion

Today Jake & I took another little adventure to Snoqualmie Pass. We decided to go past the sledding hill & check out the scene. When we came to the Keechelus Lake Boat Launch & Picnic Area, we decided to get out and explore. This is one of multiple trailheads for the Iron Horse Trail, also known as the Keechelus Lake Trail and the John Wayne Trail: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/keechelus-lake-john-wayne

After getting on the trail, we headed to the left, towards the boat ramp. From the trailhead I thought I could actually see the Hyak Sledding Hill off in the distance to the NW, although I wasn't sure. I decided to check out the boat ramp first since that was something new.

As the flat and easy trail went east, we saw frequent views of Keechelus Lake between us and I-90, which we could hear the entire time. We also periodically actually saw I-90 itself.

Along the way we saw lots of people. Most folks we encountered were families of cross-country skiers that included kids of all ages, although we saw some other folks out hiking, too. Jake thought the skis looked pretty interesting. Even though it didn't feel like a complete escape with the freeway noise and all of the people, it was easy, beautiful, and fun.

As we continued towards the boat launch area, we walked by some frozen waterfalls, which Jake loved. We stopped here for several minutes on the way out & back to examine.

Although there weren't great sledding hills around, some dedicated sledders (off in the distance below) brought their sleds to the slope between the Iron Horse Trail and the boat launch on the lake. There were large rocks that prevented them from going into the water, but it was an icy and rocky route.

As we rounded the corner ahead, we saw a gate across the road Hikers were welcome to continue, but we decided to take a left and walk down to the boat launch. The boat launch, jutting into Keechelus Lake:

After making it to the boat launch and back, we had some energy and daylight so we decided to go check out the sledding hill. When pulling the sled, it wasn't really any extra work to pull Jake too so he got a comfy little ride for the easy 5 to 10 minute walk between the boat launch parking lot & the sledding parking lot.

When we got there, the official hill was closed due to not enough snow. Some dedicated folks were sledding on a side field, but the hill was little, steep, rocky, and coated in ice. Jake made one run before deciding he didn't want to go again. I pulled him back to the car while he sang the entire way.

BEFORE GOING
1. I'm not totally certain about pass requirements. It is on National Forest Land and there was a sign at the entrance of the parking lot saying that a National Forest Recreation permit would be required beyond that point. However, it wasn't totally clear to me if it meant beyond the parking lot or if it included the parking lot. It makes sense that it would require a Recreation permit, though. $5 e-pass permits can be purchased here & printed out at home: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html.
2. Check out the official site: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/evergreen-mountain-lookout/r/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&facilityId=235360 for official info (although there isn't much) and the WTA page at http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes/keechelus-lake-john-wayne. The field reports are at the bottom of the page and you can sort by most recent. Note that this trail has many entrances. Some trip reports talk about starting at the Hyak Sledding Hill, some talk about starting at Gold Creek, and other start points are also mentioned. The Sledding Hill & Gold Creek require Sno-Park passes, but if you park in the boat launch lot, you shouldn't need a Sno Park pass.
3. Pack cold weather gear, snacks, and TP. There is a sani-can type of facility, which is handy when hiking with kids. However, like so many others, it was out of TP.

GETTING THERE
1. From I-90, take Hyak exit 54.
2. At the end of the off-ramp (from Seattle) turn RIGHT.
3. Take a very immediate LEFT, following the brown sign to Keechelus Trailhead.
4. At the end of the road, take a RIGHT, following the brown sign to the Keechelus Trailhead.
5. Note the brown Hyak Sledding Hill in about a block but continue straight.
6. In about a minute or two the parking lot will be on the RIGHT.