The trail climbs gradually across Source Creek Valley, before launching into some steep switchbacks to the ridge-top. Why you should go: Hike through a range of ecosystems before reaching the deep blue waters of Lake Ingalls. For 67 miles you’ll traverse the Alpine Lakes Wilderness while encountering numerous lakes, meadows, jagged peaks, and old-growth forest. AllTrails and Gaia GPS are two of the leading trail apps out there, and they both have loyal fanbases. Join 80,000+ adventurers getting epic travel, camping and hiking ideas every week. One of the most strenuous portions is Aasgard Pass, where you’ll gain around 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Also, be on the lookout for mountain goats. The trail to the lake is well maintained and very much an alpine lover’s dream. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. There are only a handful of routes you can take, all of which demand every ounce of strength you’ve got. If you happen to strike it rich in the lottery, grab your backpacking gear and prepare for an epic journey. “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 you break from the forest, you begin your switchback through open meadows. “This trail is a total slog,” says Jimmy Fanning on AllTrails. Also, keep in mind that Section J is remote. Maine is playfully nicknamed “Vacationland,” and at Acadia National Park you’ll quickly see why. You’re likely to find a good amount of company here as Pete Lake is about four miles in. Resources. 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. Since it is 13 miles from the trailhead, the The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Central Cascades of Washington state in the United States. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. As one of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Lake Ingalls certainly won’t disappoint. 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. At mile eight you’ll reach a remote basin, where you’ll find the forested Lower Wildcat Lake. Leashes are also required on several popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: High Lakes Trail. Lake Ingalls may cover a lot of ground for a day hike, but the scenery will have you forgetting all about your weary feet. Why you should go: A gentle stroll to a natural waterslide and waterfall that the kids will be crazy about. As you pass the lake, you’ll wander through meadows, tread a narrow switchback, and traverse a talus slope. Just be prepared to tackle the 2,000+ foot ascent from Cathedral Rock Trail to the PCT Junction. 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. Jade Lake is one of several lakes tucked away in Necklace Valley. Alpine Lakes Enchantments overnight permit information. When she’s not tapping away at her computer you can find her exploring trails with her partner Taif. As the trees thin, views of the rugged Cathedral Rock and Granite Mountain appear upon the horizon. Plan on taking enough food for a five day journey, give or take. When you’re picturing the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the name says it all. 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. 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 heart-pumping trek switchbacks up a steep ascent of nearly 3,800 feet before reaching the summit. 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 … If you couldn’t get an overnight pass, you can still experience this area with a worthy hike out to Cholchuck Lake. Roughly one mile in, you reach a sign informing you that you’ve entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. While you’re here, you can extend your trip and explore the other lakes in the valley. Following is a list of our favorite hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 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. 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. Over the years they have become habituated to humans and can be aggressive. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses 390,000 acres of some of the most enthralling wilderness Washington has to offer. Why you should go: A relatively easy trek out to a picturesque alpine lake with spots for lakeside camping. 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 Oregon Coast is the ideal vacation destination if you're seeking seaside serenity. A list of notable lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is shown, below. Beginning at Tuquala Meadows, you’ll climb gently through the forest to Hyas Lake. Be prepared, however, for a notable amount of elevation change. If you find descents hard on the knees, consider opting to do the loop clockwise. The trail to the left continues to Pratt Lake, but take the fork to the right and begin climbing in earnest. 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. Nestled among a rugged landscape, Upper Wildcat Lake offers more solitude along a less traveled path. Explore some of the most remote wilderness in Washington State and catch views of Glacier Peak, a 10,500 foot, snow capped volcano. The sparkling Spectacle Lake presents quite the scene resting among the snow capped peaks of Chikamin Peak and Lemah Mountain. 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. Deep Lake is a promising overnighter for alpine lake enthusiasts and backpackers with a couple trips under their belt. There's not much out here except cactus and rugged mountains. If you happen to be hiking early in the season, be prepared to encounter snowy slopes. Mount Margaret sits just outside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and mostly follows an old logging road. Views of Mount Stuart and Esmeralda Peaks will greet you along the way, luring you to continue steadily to the lake. This expansive basin has 2 lakes plus a waterfall, unparalled solitude, and makes for a great practice for off-trail navigation It would be utter blasphemy not to mention The Enchantments in any conversation about the Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails. 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. A gorgeous, difficult hike that may require off-trail hiking, steep inclines, and multiple river crossings. Words don’t do The Enchantments justice. Grab a snack and take in the view because the smooth sailing won’t last. Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit Application Application is for the Enchantment Lakes, Stuart, Colchuck, Snow, Eightmile Lakes areas. Glacier worn rocks, pristine lakes, craggy snow covered peaks, subalpine larches, and salt loving mountain goats all reside here. Cresting the Cascades will cost you 16,000 feet in elevation, so this section is best left for experienced backpackers. Travel Articles. Granite Mountain isn’t for the faint of heart. Why you should go: A short yet challenging overnighter to the scenic Hyas Lake and cloud-piercing Cathedral Rock. The extraordinary Enchantment Lakes Basin is worth every huff and puff of the way. Rest here for the night or continue on. Conquer the climb and enjoy the view. Best suited for the experienced hikers, Granite Mountain is a solid day romp for those seeking exhilarating terrain. This is a popular destination for larch lovers nestled in the Teanaway Valley near Cle Elum. 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