Snake Lake

Total Miles6.6
Technical Rating
7Difficult
Best TimeSummer
Trail TypeHigh-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Short but beautiful hard-core trail. Great views looking down on Gold Lake and Snake Lake. Route open to green-sticker vehicles on posted routes only. Overnight camping in designated sites only. Watch for hikers and mountain bikers on Pacific Crest Hiking Trail.

Photos of Snake Lake

Difficulty

Difficult: Very steep and rocky descending to Snake Lake with more obstacles coming back up alongside Little Deer Lake. For modified vehicles and experienced drivers only.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

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Jared Recasens
Jul 10, 2026
2025 Yamaha Rmax x4 1000 xt-r
Open
Very tough road conditions; big rocks and narrow gaps. My SxS handled it ok, but on the south eastern side of Snake Lake the trail drops got kinda sketchy. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Once we got to lots-o-lakes trail it wasn’t too bad.
Will Rad
Jun 20, 2026
Open
NormalRough/Deteriorated
Definitely recommend at least 33s and a rear locker to run it comfortably - VERY tight as well and no way is a full size truck stuffing through some of the tight turns with rocks without body damage. 2000 regular cab Tacoma on 31s so shorter wheelbase and hammered mt skid place (no damage) though besides pinstripes on quarter panel… hit me up on IG and let’s wheel! 530_yota
4WD Adventure Crew
Jun 20, 2026
1999 Jeep Cherokee
Open
Normal
trail is clear of trees on trail. had no traffic on a Saturday
Alec Bell
Sep 29, 2025
2012 KTM 350F
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Beautiful trail, but definitely not for beginners. Would absolutely run it again!
Nathan Spangler
Sep 27, 2025
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Open
NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated
Shelf road and steps down into snake lake still difficult. Leaving lake, pinch point rutted out more then 2 years ago (got passenger fender and tail light damage), climb into little deer lake trapped both Tacomas in the group requiring winching.
Chad Thomas
Aug 02, 2025
Open
NormalDustyMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated
Fun trail. Easy to difficult. Fun for everyone.
Devin Steehler
Jun 06, 2025
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Gold Lake 4x4 campground accessible. Mild boulders gave fallen into the trial. Super wet, but other than that, accessible to the camp ground. Still snow blocking trail up out of campground to Snake lake.
Rick Fletcher
May 26, 2025
2017 Jeep Wrangler
Obstructed
Deep SnowDowned Tree
OHV campground is accessible with lockers. Several snow drifts, climb out of Gold lake is impassible with deep snow
Jeffrey Rimando
May 02, 2025
2022 Toyota 4Runner
Temporarily Closed
Still has heavy snow cover.
Rob M
Sep 21, 2024
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Open
NormalRough/Deteriorated
Very rocky and fun trail. It's fairly popular due to the campground, so expect oncomers and watch out for the PCT hikers.
kevin richardson
Aug 02, 2023
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Normal
Horton Horton
Jul 02, 2023
1986 Toyota 4Runner
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Gerardo Corrales
Jun 18, 2023
Obstructed
Deep Snow

Snake Lake Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

Snake Lake Map

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