Near Clara and Marion Lakes
Clara Lake at twilight
Near Clara and Marion Lakes

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Clara and Marion Lakes

3.0 (1 Rating)
Family-friendly hike to two lakes where larches greet you in the fall.
2.6
mi
Distance
945
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLake

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.59mi
Distance
945ft
Elevation Gain
945ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
5,529ft
High Point
4,609ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Most of the elevation gain is in the first mile, but if you are hiking in fall, the trail greets you with a variety of appetizers before the main course, the larches. Head straight at the intersection with the Pipeline Trail and turn left at the subsequent fork. Once you arrive at Clara Lake, soak in the view from multiple viewpoints. In fact, the best viewpoint might be on your way to Marion Lake. The trail to Marion Lake is relatively flat, whether you go left or right at the fork, although the trail going left is easier to follow.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Squilchuck State Park Loop

Hike Route

Squilchuck State Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
5.19 mi
+609 ft
Iron Bear to Miller Loop

Hike Route

Iron Bear to Miller Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
15.82 mi
+4,677 ft
Iron Bear to Teanaway Ridge

Hike Route

Iron Bear to Teanaway Ridge

Geologically Significant
moderate
3.34 mi
+2,052 ft
Red Top Lookout

Hike Route

Red Top Lookout

Views
easy
0.65 mi
+364 ft
Ingalls Creek to Lake Ingalls

Hike Route

Ingalls Creek to Lake Ingalls

Lake
extreme
29.11 mi
+5,696 ft
Swakane Canyon

Hike Route

Swakane Canyon

Views
strenuous
5.4 mi
+2,429 ft
Contributors
John Eun