Grand Valley via Grand Pass Trail

Grand Valley via Grand Pass is a 12-mile out-and-back from Obstruction Point across open Lillian Ridge, down into a three-lake basin, then up to Grand Pass. Set aside about nine hours: the route gains 4,070 feet and reaches roughly 6,450 feet. It is a full alpine day with a big payoff for hikers comfortable with steep ground and long descents. If 12 miles is more than you want, Grand Lake makes a shorter turnaround at about 3.7 miles each way.

The trail leaves just south of Obstruction Point’s parking area and heads straight into open tundra-like terrain. Lillian Ridge rolls up and down to a high point around 1.5 miles from the start. The early miles give you wide views across Olympic peaks, with wildflowers and marmots often reported along the ridge. There is little shelter in this open stretch, and you cross the ridge again on the way back.

Past the ridge, the trail drops about 1,500 feet on steep switchbacks through scree, open meadows, and patches of subalpine fir. Loose rock makes the descent slower than its map distance suggests. You have to climb back out of the valley later, so save enough energy for that return effort.

Grand Lake comes first; Moose Lake is about half a mile farther, and Gladys Lake lies deeper in the basin. The payoff is a string of subalpine lakes and meadows framed by mountain slopes, not one isolated viewpoint. Small creeks cross the trail, so expect wet feet. Natural water is available at Grand Creek, Grand Lake, and Moose Lake, but treat it before drinking. Solar composting toilets are available at Grand Lake and Moose Lake.

Beyond Gladys Lake, the route roughens for its final 1.5-mile climb, gaining about 1,000 feet to Grand Pass. On a clear day the open pass has broad views in every direction; include the lake basin below in a photo to show the scale. Grand Pass is the turnaround for this hike. A separate informal spur toward Grand Pass Peak continues beyond it, so follow that only if you mean to extend the route.