FS-75 to Lonesome Lake

full-limited Icon
4.3/5 (41 reviews)
Greenwater, Washington (Pierce County)
Last Updated: 06/15/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Lonesome Lake is a beautiful crystal clear alpine lake that is located at the top of FR-75. The name of the lake was adopted in the winter of 1935 when a young couple that made many trips to the lake got in a huge quarrel and split up. While Johnie and Clyde were split, Clyde went to the lake where he ended up snowed in with 8 feet of snow. While sitting lonesome by the fire one night he grabbed a piece of steel heated it up and wrote the words, "Lonesome Lake" on a piece of wood and nailed it to a tree. The name took like glue and today the lake is visited by more than 4000 people per year. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountian range make this 15-mile trip well worth the time. On a clear day, there will be many opportunities to take some stunning photos of majestic Mount Rainier.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (41)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Road is open.
Open
Visited: 06/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Only a little snow covering about 1/3 of the road for the last couple hundred feet. Still some snow around the lake but the walk down the stairs is clear
Open
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Tried to get to the lake Memorial Day weekend and the snow in the last couple miles is still impassable. Will try again in a couple weeks
Open
Visited: 05/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I've been trying to get to the lake since March - getting further each time, but the snow stopped met just half a mile short this time, duos with gear or a more built rig than my stock 4 runner could easily make the top. I imagine the way will be clear by Memorial Day. Still a fantastic trail, with tons of fun offshoots to explore.
Trail Review: FS-75 to Lonesome Lake - Mark Muller
Trail Review: FS-75 to Lonesome Lake - Mark Muller
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Not a bad road, we only did part of it due to the wife getting nervous about all the snow. In her defense, we were alone and didn't bring any recovery gear. Will have to check it out when the snow is gone.
Trail Review: FS-75 to Lonesome Lake - Andrew Rausch
Trail Review: FS-75 to Lonesome Lake - Andrew Rausch
View More Images

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial