The aim of Alpine Lakes High Camp is to get you close to the beautiful wilderness and it excels at doing that. The road out is rough, the lake is small, and water is frigid — which is precisely why you should hike there. Best trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington | AllTrails From here you'll gain impressive views of Lundin Peak and Red Mountain. When she’s not tapping away at her computer you can find her exploring trails with her partner Taif. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area in the North Cascades mountain range, located in northern Washington state, the Northwestern United States. As you pass the lake, you’ll wander through meadows, tread a narrow switchback, and traverse a talus slope. A vibrant turquoise blue, Jade Lake’s jarring color is a striking contrast to the craggy peaks. Perhaps this is why many of the places possess mystical names like Dragontail Peak. This beautiful section of Central Cascades features dozens of lakes. As the trees thin, views of the rugged Cathedral Rock and Granite Mountain appear upon the horizon. In order to access this trail you must first hike in along one or more other trails. Alpine Lakes Enchantments overnight permit information. AllTrails and Gaia GPS are two of the leading trail apps out there, and they both have loyal fanbases. Press onward to a section of the PCT before reaching your final destination. But it has incredible views to north and east, and a bounty of berries in the late summer and fall. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States.The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. Rest here for the night or continue on. This amazing lake got its name due to azure waters that flow from Lynch Glacier. Glacier worn rocks, pristine lakes, craggy snow covered peaks, subalpine larches, and salt loving mountain goats all reside here. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. Daniel is surrounded by lakes. Located in the Central Cascades, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness features over 700 lakes, 615 miles of trail, and a 67 mile stretch of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail. The 15 Best Hikes in the Mount Baker Wilderness. The extraordinary Enchantment Lakes Basin is worth every huff and puff of the way. It would be utter blasphemy not to mention The Enchantments in any conversation about the Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails. Why you should go: A moderate trek out to a striking turquoise blue glacier-fed lake. Since it is 13 miles from the trailhead, the Mount Margaret sits just outside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and mostly follows an old logging road. Difficult creek crossings, snowy terrain, and grueling switchbacks all lie ahead. For 67 miles you’ll traverse the Alpine Lakes Wilderness while encountering numerous lakes, meadows, jagged peaks, and old-growth forest. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States. Join 80,000+ adventurers getting epic travel, camping and hiking ideas every week. As the crowds thin out past the lake, you’ll encounter Lemah Creek. Roughly one mile in, you reach a sign informing you that you’ve entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy, Differences Between 3-Season vs 4-Season Tents, 10 Best & Most Unique Airbnbs on the Oregon Coast. Be prepared to have your feet get wet and pass through snow even in summer weather. There are only a handful of routes you can take, all of which demand every ounce of strength you’ve got. Why you should go: Visit one of the most popular and scenic lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you happen to be hiking early in the season, be prepared to encounter snowy slopes. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: Scottish Lakes High Camp to Larch Lake. Push past the hoards of hikers flocking to Snow Lake and find peace trekking out to Upper Wildcat Lake. The trail quickly becomes steeper and rockier. Words don’t do The Enchantments justice. This includes most trails accessed from I-90 and on Highway 2 west of Stevens Pass. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is home to a variety of ecosystems, including fragile alpine habitats. The towering peak of Cathedral Rock sets the mood for the pristine waterfall-fed Deep Lake resting below. Maine is playfully nicknamed “Vacationland,” and at Acadia National Park you’ll quickly see why. Basically situated in the central Cascades between US-Highway 2/ Stevens Pass (on the northern end) and I-90/ Snoqualmie Pass (on the southern end), but not including the Teanaway region, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is administered by both the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest.The Alpine Lakes Wilderness got its name from the 700+ mountain lakes fo… This 10.5-mile out-and-back in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness leads to Larch Lake, a backcountry pool rimmed with larch trees and 7,000-foot peaks. Resources. Jade Lake is one of several lakes tucked away in Necklace Valley. If the kiddos aren’t too tuckered out, press on for more family fun at Keekwulee Falls. Why you should go: The holy grail of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Why you should go: Hike through a range of ecosystems before reaching the deep blue waters of Lake Ingalls. These are the Phoenix-area trails most likely to make your dog's tail wag. We stayed 2 nights in the fall, and spent our full day doing an intense but rewarding hike right from the camp to the spectacular Larch Lake which is full of delicious trout. The Chain Lakes Trail is embedded within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I recommend packing map 176s Alpine Lakes West-Stevens Pass and any map covering the surrounding terrain your hiking may entail. “Spectacle Lake to Snoqualmie Pass is hands down the most technically challenging but rewarding section of trail on this hike,” says user VagusWonder on WTA . As one of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Lake Ingalls certainly won’t disappoint. The trail to the lake is well maintained and very much an alpine lover’s dream. Jade Lake is located in Snoqualmie Region, part of Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Be prepared, however, for a notable amount of elevation change. The Oregon Coast is the ideal vacation destination if you're seeking seaside serenity. Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are protected within the Wenatchee National Forest or Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. If you happen to strike it rich in the lottery, grab your backpacking gear and prepare for an epic journey. About a mile from the trailhead you’ll find a spot for water play. This spot is a family favorite thanks to its easy-breezy trail grade and refreshing swimming hole. Load up the family wagon and spend the day picnicking at Denny Creek. Carissa is an outdoor freelance writer who loves nature, yearns for a good campfire, and lives for the next adventure. While you’re here, you can extend your trip and explore the other lakes in the valley. To approach from the North, take the Pacific Crest Trail heading south from Steven’s Pass to the Icicle Creek Trail to the start of the Chain Lakes … Cresting the Cascades will cost you 16,000 feet in elevation, so this section is best left for experienced backpackers. Conquer the climb and enjoy the view. Additional Info: Washington Trails Association. Like any great backpacking trail, the reward is worth the grind. But the whole package includes old growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins. A gorgeous, difficult hike that may require off-trail hiking, steep inclines, and multiple river crossings. Granted conditions are right, you can take a dip in the creek and slip on down the natural waterslide. Nestled in a rocky basin high on Mount Daniel, Spade Lake is one of the least visited lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness due to it's distance from the nearest trailhead. She’s currently based in Washington, where she hopes to one day catch a sighting of the elusive fisher in its natural habitat. You’ll wind through old-growth forest and mountainous snowfields, with each unique landscape eliciting its own wonderment. The trail to the left continues to Pratt Lake, but take the fork to the right and begin climbing in earnest. Why you should go: A short yet challenging overnighter to the scenic Hyas Lake and cloud-piercing Cathedral Rock. You’re likely to find a good amount of company here as Pete Lake is about four miles in. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Explore some of the most remote wilderness in Washington State and catch views of Glacier Peak, a 10,500 foot, snow capped volcano. That is the true beauty of Snow Lake--how readily it shares the splendor of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Beginning at Tuquala Meadows, you’ll climb gently through the forest to Hyas Lake. Even so, it is worth the effort of hiking on some stretches of rough, steep trail to experience the serenity and see the rich turquoise water of this lonely lake. Just be mindful of your step and the current. Views of Mount Stuart and Esmeralda Peaks will greet you along the way, luring you to continue steadily to the lake. One of the most strenuous portions is Aasgard Pass, where you’ll gain around 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Why you should go: Visit Snow Lake, Gem Lake, Lower Wildcat Lake, and Upper Wildcat Lake on an epic two-day trek. The largest of these are Marmot and Jade Lakes, to the north, Hyas Lake to the east and Spade, Circle, Venus, and Deep Lakes to the south. WTA Pro Tip: At 1.75 miles, where the trail begins to switchback upwards, a spur trail offers a brief side trip up the valley to an overlook of Source Lake, the … Why you should go: A relatively easy trek out to a picturesque alpine lake with spots for lakeside camping. Best suited for the experienced hikers, Granite Mountain is a solid day romp for those seeking exhilarating terrain. Snoqualmie Lake by AlpineFisher. No roads cross the trail here, which means no resupplying. If you’re planning on backpacking The Enchantments from May 15 through October 31, you can obtain a permit on Recreation.gov or the Wenatchee River Ranger Station daily lottery. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a wilderness area located in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington. As you climb to the top, you’ll be traveling along the south face of Granite Mountain through avalanche tracks and a sensitive alpine ecosystem. Why you should go: A grueling and remote photographic section of the PCT that crests the Cascades. If you encounter a mountain goat, keep your distance. This is a popular destination for larch lovers nestled in the Teanaway Valley near Cle Elum. Lake Ingalls may cover a lot of ground for a day hike, but the scenery will have you forgetting all about your weary feet. The Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass section of the PCT is purely breathtaking. At mile eight you’ll reach a remote basin, where you’ll find the forested Lower Wildcat Lake. There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about using one over the other based on the season. “Spectacle Lake to Snoqualmie Pass is hands down the most technically challenging but rewarding section of trail on this hike,” says user VagusWonder on WTA. A great out and back that covers just over 14 miles, through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area that will be sure to not disappoint, as you will pass 4 lakes, numerous streams, and huge views of the surrounding mountains and jagged peaks that make this close in section of wilderness a fan favorite. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, including a portion of the hike to Red Pass. Travel Articles. They don't call it the Alpine Lake Wilderness for nothing. With camp on the shores of this beautiful backcountry lake, this BCRT provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act by joining us on a project that will help keep the trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in great shape. Just be prepared to tackle the 2,000+ foot ascent from Cathedral Rock Trail to the PCT Junction. Granite Mountain isn’t for the faint of heart. This expansive basin has 2 lakes plus a waterfall, unparalled solitude, and makes for a great practice for off-trail navigation Don’t be fooled by the mileage — hiking Cathedral Pass and Deception Pass comes with a challenge. The cloud piercing Cathedral Rock and Mount Daniel are certainly the highlights, while the alpine meadows, river valley, and tranquil Hyas Lake aren’t too shabby themselves. You can easily fall through snow as it melts. This alpine lake is glacier fed. “It will take some heart and determination.”. This heart-pumping trek switchbacks up a steep ascent of nearly 3,800 feet before reaching the summit. Day use permits are free and are self-registered at the trailhead. If you’re game, read on. Take a dip in the cool water and pitch your tent lakeside. If you find descents hard on the knees, consider opting to do the loop clockwise. At a single glance, it’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about. While there are several ways to get there, we recommend starting at the Pete Lake Trailhead. The wilderness is located in parts of Wenatchee National Forest and Snoqualmie National Forest, and is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. Less than a mile from the natural waterslide, Keekwulee Falls is best enjoyed in the afternoon when a healthy dose of direct sunlight means waterfall rainbows may be in sight. Whether you have time for a quick afternoon stroll, all-day hiking adventure, or multi-day backpacking expedition, you’re sure to find a winner with any of these scenic trails. Native to the Cascades, relocation efforts have been underway to remove invasive Olympic mountain goats to the Cascade region, increasing their population size. When you’re picturing the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the name says it all. Watch your footing and stay on the trail. It’s important to be mindful of your step and stay on the trail to help preserve these sensitive habitats. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses 390,000 acres of some of the most enthralling wilderness Washington has to offer. Deep Lake is a promising overnighter for alpine lake enthusiasts and backpackers with a couple trips under their belt. These maps incorporate an incredible amount of detail, from topo to forest roads to trails. Also, be on the lookout for mountain goats. For overnight permits, check with the ranger station or reserve a wilderness permit online at Recreation.gov. “Jade Lake is so called because of its turquoise waters, colored by glacial silt,” says Matthew Leib on Backpacker Magazine. Rather, it’s a case-by-case decision that comes down to the expected weather conditions and your personal preferences. Wilderness Permits required for day-hiking within the reservation area, as well as day use and overnight trips in other areas of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, are available on a self-issue basis at trailheads. If you couldn’t get an overnight pass, you can still experience this area with a worthy hike out to Cholchuck Lake. If the water is safe for crossing, ford the creek and continue to the Spectacle Lake spur. If you happen to strike out on The Enchantments lottery, don’t worry — you’re still in luck. Cacti & Canines: Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix. Grab a snack and take in the view because the smooth sailing won’t last. Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are protected within the Wenatchee National Forest or Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.A list of notable lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is shown, below. WTA offers information about hiking the Alpine Lakes, such as trail length and elevation gains, along with a travel article accompanying each featured hike. Fortunately the switchbacks don’t last long before you reach your final destination, so it’s a quick grind that’s easily doable for most hikers. Hikers, mountain bikers, and swimming hole enthusiasts will all find the Opal Creek Trail accessible and enjoyable. Over the years they have become habituated to humans and can be aggressive. If you’re traveling, please check state and local COVID-19 guidelines before booking. Choose any of the other Alpine Lakes Wilderness hikes and you’ll find yourself a winner. Number one on this bucket list, The Enchantments are what legends are made of. Snow Lake is a vision to behold and one worth waking up at dawn to explore. Why you should go: A gentle stroll to a natural waterslide and waterfall that the kids will be crazy about. Why you should go: A waterfall-fed lake with the rugged Cathedral Rock towering in the background. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Take a dip if you dare. See our, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. There's not much out here except cactus and rugged mountains. Along the way you’ll pass by Gem Lake tucked below Wright’s Mountain. Not far from the spur, you’ll reach Spectacle Lake. Lake Ingalls, Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Following is a list of our favorite hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Beginner backpackers will appreciate the relatively gentle grade out to the lake. For those looking to extend their journey, pack about nine more miles into the trip by trekking out to Waptus Lake. As you break from the forest, you begin your switchback through open meadows. This trail is situated in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and must be the most popular trail in Washington, behind only Mount Si for consistent overcrowding. From there, it's all downhill to Snow Lake. Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit Application Application is for the Enchantment Lakes, Stuart, Colchuck, Snow, Eightmile Lakes areas. Starting at the Cle Elum River crossing, you’ll begin your journey through old-growth forest. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area in the North Cascades mountain range, located in northern Washington state, the Northwestern United States. Day use and overnight wilderness permits are required for several of the hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Several social trails lead to campsites, with the south side offering some of the best. The hike out will require some work on your part as you switchback through rocky slopes. While it may be tempting to stay, the apex of your journey is right around the corner. The trails to Jade Lake will also take hikers to Marmot and Clarice lakes, Gaze out into the distance and you’ll have views of Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula on a clear day. The sparkling Spectacle Lake presents quite the scene resting among the snow capped peaks of Chikamin Peak and Lemah Mountain. Leashes are also required on several popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Rock climbers swarm here for the famous Cashmere Crags, and backpackers are drawn by the majestic landscape of The Enchantments. Seen in: Backpacking, Hike, Pacific Northwest, Washington. Alpine Lakes High Camp As other reviews state, this is far from a luxury resort experience! The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness … Caution: in the summer you may find a thin surface layer of snow with nothing beneath it. Also, keep in mind that Section J is remote. Boulder has gained a lot of popularity over recent years because it is a rock climber’s paradise and a hiker’s gateway to the Rocky Mountains. While Jade Lake doesn’t draw in the crowds quite like Snow Lake, it’s just as spectacular nonetheless. As it’s a section hike, you’ll also need to plan for a shuttle vehicle or pickup if you don’t want to retrace your steps. Why you should go: An exhilarating trek up the south side of a mountain to a panoramic view and a lookout tower at 3,800 feet. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: High Lakes Trail. A Hike to Lake Talapus Hikers will encounter a variety of alpine ecosystems, ridgetop views, and of course the deep blue lake — but not without a steady climb first. For 67 miles you’ll traverse the Alpine Lakes Wilderness while encountering numerous lakes, meadows, jagged peaks, and old-growth forest. Hike by WTA Correspondents: John Soltys. Dogs also must always be on leash on many trails in the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. AllTrails vs Gaia Reviews: Which Hiking App is Best? But first, the trail starts from Snoqualmie Pass and into the Commonwealth Basin, with old-growth forests and more great vistas of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail climbs gradually across Source Creek Valley, before launching into some steep switchbacks to the ridge-top. Here's how to choose which may be best for you. The pristine beauty of this hike is as majestic as it is daunting. List of lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, "List of lakes of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness", Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_lakes_of_the_Alpine_Lakes_Wilderness&oldid=987030815, Articles lacking sources from November 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 November 2020, at 13:02. The trail starts with a … Don’t let the crowds turn you away from this uber-popular destination. Nestled among a rugged landscape, Upper Wildcat Lake offers more solitude along a less traveled path. Don’t expect the whole route to be easy going, though. En route, you’ll wander along decent tread that meanders through cedar groves, rocky slopes, and at times swampy terrain. As a Washington resident, Green Trails maps have become my bible for navigating the outdoors. Plan on taking enough food for a five day journey, give or take. Don’t forget to pick up an Alpine Lakes Wilderness map before you head out into the thick of it. Another quarter mile beyond, you reach the junction to Granite Mountain. “This trail is a total slog,” says Jimmy Fanning on AllTrails. See our editorial process to learn more. The area around Snoqualmie, Deer, and Bear Lakes is as pretty as any in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. “Midweek permits are easier to come by than weekend ones,” says Mike Lanza on Backpacker Magazine. A list of notable lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is shown, below. If the name Kendall Katwalk conjures up an image of a narrow pathway blasted out of a steeply sloped rock face, that’s part of it. Restrictions: Wilderness regulations apply. Maine is playfully nicknamed “ Vacationland, ” and at times swampy terrain a portion of hikes... 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