MARTEN LAKE, ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS

MARTEN CREEK FROM NEAR THE TRAILHEAD

Almost two months ago I day hiked the unpopular Marten Lake Trail. The trail is considered unmaintained, which i quickly found out to be so true! In my opinion unmaintained and unpopular hikes interest me for several reasons. First, because their not crowded. Secondly because they can be challenging and the sense of accomplishment is thrilling. Thirdly, the joy of route-finding makes the trail exciting and mentally challenging.
While not really any route-finding skills were needed on the Marten lake trail, due in part to footprints in the snow, the trail still was challenging. The trail had many areas of thick roots and brush to battle. A couple sections of minimal root and rock scrambling were needed near the top.

MARTEN LAKE

Rain fell after i was half way up but the outlet of the lake is treed. Therefore without getting wet i took in the minimal views from under the trees as i through my fishing line out into the small portion of the lake that was unfrozen. The rain was steady so after a 1/2 hour of snack time/fishing time i headed back. 
Marten Creek is an awesome creek to explore. In spring so called creek is a torrid river. The creek is covered with large rocks as the creek cuts through a cliff faced canyon. This was the best part  of the hike exploring the raging water. The power of water is respectfully intimidating!
I missed the trailhead as there's no trailhead sign. Their is a trail cairn on the left side with two sticks stuck in the rocks as a marker. If you reach the marten creek bridge you've gone to far!!
Keep Exploring!!!

LOOKING SOUTH WITH TREEN PEAK AND GARFIELD MT ABOVE THE CLOUDS

MARTEN CREEK LOOKING MORE LIKE A RIVER

MARTEN CREEK

MARTEN CREEK TRAILHEAD OFF ON YOUR RIGHT (PILES OF ROCKS)

A TAGGED ELK

Roundtrip : 8.6 miles

Trail number : #1006

Trailhead amenities: Map, good amount of parking

Elevation gain: 1, 772 feet from trailhead

Wildlife seen: Elk, robins and chickadees

Fishing: no luck- lake mostly frozen over

Permits: Forest pass required at trailhead

Water available: Taylor River, Marten Creek and Marten Lake

Camping: No designated camping spots, though camping is permitted at the lake. Fires permitted. Middle Fork Campground is located near back on FR 5600

Other trails near: Snoqualmie Lake Trail 1002, Middle Fork Trail 1003, CCC Trail 1264, Lower Pratt River Trail 1035





Directions: Take exit 34 on interstate 90. If your driving east on interstate 90 take a right on 468th ave SE. If your heading west on interstate 90 take a left on 468th ave SE. Next drive .6 miles and take a right onto SE Middle Fork Rd. Then drive 12.5 miles on SE Middle Fork Rd which turns into NF Rd 5600  to your destination where you will come to a gated bridge.