Lake · Glacier Peak Wilderness
Mule Lake
20.2 mi round trip5,128 ft gainVery hardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Glacier Peak Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance20.2 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain5,128 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,383 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Mule Lake is a lake reached by a 20.2-mile round trip from Downy Creek Trailhead. The route follows Downey Creek Trail #768, then Ptarmigan Traverse, then Ptarmigan Traverse to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Downy Creek Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.