Hike of the Week: Sullivan Lake

Enjoy a quiet summer evening hiking along Sullivan Lake

Sullivan Lake

Start your summer with a splash




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

June 23, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Selkirk Mountains, Northeast Washington
Land Agency: Colville National Forest
Roundtrip: 8.2 miles
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Access: From Metaline Falls, Washington drive 2 miles north on SR 31. Turn right onto Sullivan Lake Road. Continue on this road for 4.7 miles before turning left onto Forest Road no. 22. Proceed .4 mile, then turn right onto the spur to the East Sullivan Lake Campground. The trailhead is .25 mile farther
Notes: Northwest Forest Pass Required


With an elevation of just 2,275-feet, the hiking season is long at Sullivan Lake. And although this near level and pleasant lakeside trail makes for a good early or late season hike, summer will most definitely do! The Sullivan Lakeshore trail offers plenty of places along the way to take a refreshing dip in one of northeastern Washington’s largest mountain lakes.
The Lakeshore Trail traverses the eastern shore the lake, along the base of hovering Hall Mountain. It connects two fine lakeside campgrounds. A weekend car camp trip to Sullivan makes a wonderful getaway-with not only the option to hike right from your camp, but also to paddle.
Lakeshore Trail no. 504 begins in cool forest and slowly climbs to a scenic bluff; one of several offering sweeping views of the lake. En route to the bluff you’ll pass two short side trails that offer diversions. The trail to the left makes a little nature loop. The trail to the right goes directly to the East Sullivan Campground.
From the bluff, the trail enters a refreshing forest of cedar, fir and hemlock and crosses Hall Creek (often dry by late summer). It’s then a short descent back to lake level. With very little elevation change the trail travels along the lakeshore through a lovely forest dominated by birch (reminiscent of my native New Hampshire). Hidden coves and quiet beaches make for great lunch, swim and nap spots along the way.
The well-built trail crosses Noisy Creek (pretty quiet by late summer) then climbs to another scenic bluff. It’s then a short descent to a peaceful little cove and a final push to its southern terminus at the Noisy Creek Campground. At Noisy Creek, fill your water bottles; go for a swim, then return, enjoying the entire 4.1 mile trail once again.

Sullivan Lake is one of the featured hikes in the guidebook, Best Hikes with Dogs Inland Northwest.