Hester Lake Trail Details

Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
- Snowshoe
- Backcountry Ski
Riding Area

Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Washington
Difficulty Rating

Blue rate
Hiking SAC Scale

T2 Mountain Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Trail Usage

Multi-use
Direction

Both Directions
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

No

Hester Lake Trail is a 10 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near North Bend, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from July until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

The trail to Hester Lake is primitive and poorly maintained, passing through wetlands with interesting plant communities. Be prepared for lots of mud on your boots From the junction on the Dingford Creek Trail 1005, the Hester Lake Trail continues at a gradual grade. You will immediately cross two forks of Dingford Creek, possibly getting your feet wet. Just beyond Dingford Creek the trail may be hard to find due to washouts. Climb gradually for about two miles then switchback to a bench below Mt. Price. Hester Lake sits in this narrow valley near several campsites.

Access Info

From North Bend, Washington take I-90 east to exit #34. Take exit #34 and turn north on 468th Avenue. In 0.6 mile turn right onto SE Middle Fork Forest Service Road #56. Stay on Forest Service Road #56 for 12.2 miles; turn right to continue on Forest Service Road #56. In 1.0 mile Road #56 turns left. Continue for approximately 5.0 miles to the Dutch Miller Gap trailhead at Dingford Creek on the left side (parking is on the right side).

Hike the Dingford Creek Trail #1005 for 3.0 miles to the junction, where the Hester Lake Trail goes to the right.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

More Stats for Hester Lake Trail hike trail trail

Altitude change

1,009 ft
Altitude min

2,849 ft
Altitude start

2,898 ft
Altitude end

3,907 ft
Grade

8.4%
Grade max

-7.2%
Grade min

34%
Distance climb

2 miles
Distance down

2,415 ft
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