Two sparkling alpine lakes, an abundance of wildflowers, an impressive mountainous backdrop and a year-round snowfield make this a hike that will please everybody. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness got its name from the 700+ mountain lakes found amongst the majestic rocky peaks and densely forested hillsides of the central Cascades. The trail then drops to Lake Dorothy and continues on to a trailhead along the Miller River and the Skykomish side of the Wilderness. A worthy objective unto itself, it is largely forgotten. 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 Trail (8.2 miles). A vault toilet available at trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required at Trailhead Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit required for day use. This 8.5-mile out and back includes a side trip to Source Lake. The East Peak (5480+F, 520P) is 0.4 miles away. Continuing on past Snoqualmie Lake the trail climbs to Deer and Bear Lakes even deeper in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, stretches 8,840 feet (2,694 m) high. WTA offers information about hiking the Alpine Lakes, such as trail length and elevation gains, along with a travel article accompanying each featured hike. At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States. Daniel is a complex glaciated massif with five main summits along its east-west trending spine. This includes most trails accessed from I-90 and on Highway 2 west of Stevens Pass. 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. Dogs also must always be on leash on many trails in the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The Enchantments is a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state’s Cascade Mountain Range. Hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail from Stevens Pass to the Icicle Creek Trail visiting stunning alpine lakes beneath the rocky spires of Bulls Tooth. on the trail josephine lake 10 miles round trip, 2,150 feet of elevation gain, 5,100 ft high point. Drive SR-2 to Stevens Pass (4,000 ft). The North Peak (5101F, 301P) is 0.5 miles away. Situated right at treeline, the views from Tanks Lakes showcase several nearby peaks including Bear’s Breast, Iron Cap, and Summit Chief. Photos; Directions; Print/PDF Map; Share; More ; Marmot Lake and Jade Lake is a 20.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Roslyn, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. You may even come upon a few deer or elk grazing in the giant meadows. You will probably find picas in great numbers and a marmot or two in the rocks. Cross over the freeway overpass and turn right (northbound) on State Route 970. A 15 mile out and back into Big Heart Lake. There are a couple nice spots around Squaw Lake, about 2.5 miles in, to stop and have a snack. Since it is 13 miles from the trailhead, the Resources. There's no question why Ingalls Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It is a stunning blue lake, set high in a basin beneath rocky peaks, showcasing striking Mount Stuart as its backdrop. Start at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and start to head up the long switchbacks. Each can be a destination in itself or a site for pictures before moving on. The trailhead might be busy, but heading to Island and Rainbow Lakes may afford you more solitude than you'd expect on the crowded I-90 corridor. Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Went east from lake, around the end of a north ridge that is just west of small lake that is NW of mountain. In order to access this trail you must first hike in along one or more other trails. It was like giant stairs with three to four foot risers every thirty to forty feet. Travel Articles . Spade Lake Trail is a 28.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Roslyn, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. The remote alpine lakes offer solitude and great places to camp near the in close proximity to the lake. I reserve no judgment here on the permissibility of this 'bolted' route within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in which the Garfield Mountain massif resides. A limited number of permits are available same day at the ranger station in Leavenworth. Leashes are also required on several popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Along the way, you'll pass Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Little Heart Lake, and then Big Heart. WTA Pro Tip 2: Camping in the Enchantments, including the entire area from the top of the switchbacks above the Snow Lakes trailhead all the way to the Stuart Lake trailhead, is by permit only from May 15th-October 31st. Take this hike to stunning Snow Lake, one of the most popular and easily accessible lakes within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Permits are awarded by the Forest Service through a lottery that opens in February. From Seattle drive east on I-90 to East Cle Elum, exit 85. The last peak and perhaps the most astonishing is just west of the Main Peak. If you're unsure whether or not your dog should be on-leash, your best bet is to hike with him or her leashed. Marvel at old-growth trees amid a lush rain forest landscape while visiting one of Olympic National Park’s most beloved attractions: Sol Duc Falls. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Cle Elum Ranger District 803 W. 2nd Street Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852-1100. The lakes are full of large trout, and the views of the ruggedness of the Alpine Lakes area is worth the effort it takes to hike into this wild part of Washington. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is approximately 394,000 acres. getting there. The Chain Lakes Trail is embedded within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Bagley Lakes can be done in a loop, though families with very small children might opt to go out and back. A Hike to Lake Talapus Travel article with pictures by Go Northwest! The official Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area was created by Congress in 1976 via the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Act as an effort to protect the region in its natural form. An interesting side trip on a week in the Alpine Lakes. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area in the North Cascades mountain range, located in northern Washington state, the Northwestern United States. This trail passes by six pristine, alpine lakes, like jewels on a necklace. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Kelsie Donleycott. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: Snow Lake and Source Lake Overlook. What's more, this trail gets a fraction of the foot traffic that the trails at Artist Point get in late summer. It's a touch longer than many day hikers want to tackle, and even most of the campers will drop off past Ollalie, or Pratt Lake junctions, leaving you (and a few hardy others) to discover these alpine jewels. There are parking lots on the east and west sides of the pass. A good scramble. The popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres in the Central Cascades Region within Washington state. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: Big Heart Lake . 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. Camped near the outlet of Chetwoot Lake. This pristine set of high alpine tarns is tucked deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, roughly halfway between I-90 and hwy 2 and far from the hiking crowds. Went past the north edge of lake and up the north side of mountain. Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit Application Application is for the Enchantment Lakes, Stuart, Colchuck, Snow, Eightmile Lakes areas. After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Kim Hull. 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