Close your eyes and imagine standing on the shores of a crystal-clear, blue alpine lake, nestled amidst Washington’s Cascade Mountains. I mean you can practically smell the pine trees, hear the birds, and feel the massive hug Mother Nature has waiting for you. And this is exactly the kind of thing I bet you’re wanting to experience when you think about the best alpine lake hikes in Washington.
I want you to have that too! Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a new challenge, a family looking for a memorable outdoor experience, or a photographer eager to capture stunning landscapes, this guide to Washington’s best alpine lake hikes is your new bestie.
We’ll cover the best alpine lake hikes in detail: where to find them, what they’re like, etc. so you can find the trail for you!
As an avid hiker and traveler who has spent over a decade exploring Arizona’s dry landscapes, I deeply appreciate the escape alpine lakes provide! In fact, I spent several months exploring Washington in my campervan, and alpine lakes were always my go-to.
My extensive experience hiking in Washington’s alpine region gives me the knowledge and expertise to guide you through these unforgettable trails, so keep reading!
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What Makes Washington’s Alpine Lakes Special
Washington’s alpine lakes are just perfection — trust me. Each one is unique and captivating in its own way.
Park rangers and conservationists often highlight their glacial origins, diverse ecosystems, and “unparalleled” beauty.
You can find everything from wildflowers and moss-covered trees to wildlife such as mountain goats and marmots when you visit them.
And have we talked about the color blue yet?
The “Gatorade blue” color alpine lakes are the most known and should grant them a spot on any hiker’s bucket list.
The ideal time to experience the magic of Washington’s alpine lakes is between late spring and early fall.
During these months, the trails are typically snow-free, the weather is mild, and wildflowers paint the landscape with vibrant colors.
However, summer is also a great time to visit since most trails are open (watch for mosquitoes, though).
Essential Hiking Tips
Proper preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable alpine lake hike.
Bring snacks. Pack ample food, water, and snacks to sustain your energy levels throughout the day.
Safety first. Remember to bring essential navigation tools like a map and compass, as well as a first aid kit for unexpected emergencies. Carry a whistle for signaling help and bear spray as a precautionary measure.
Have the right gear. To ensure a successful adventure, equip yourself with sturdy hiking boots, a reliable backpack, and layered clothing suitable for varying weather conditions.
Leave the trails better than you found them. Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate alpine environment.
Check conditions. Before embarking on your hike, check trail conditions and weather forecasts for the latest updates. Valuable resources like the Washington Trails Association and the National Park Service provide essential information on trail closures, weather advisories, and permit requirements.
Additional Tips:
- Hiking Permits: Research if permits are required for the specific trail or area you plan to visit.
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the strong alpine sun.
- Wildlife Encounters: Learn about potential wildlife encounters and how to safely observe them.
- Emergency Contact: Share your hiking plans with a friend or family member, including your intended route and expected return time.
List and Map of The Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Washington
- Tipsoo Lake
- Summit Lake
- Dewey Lake
- Colchuck Lake
- Snow Lake
- Lake Serene
- Blanca Lake
- Enchantments Core Zone
- Chain Lakes (Mazama, Iceberg, and Hayes Lakes)
- Heather Lake
- Picture Lake
- Lake Ann
- Jade Lake
- Lake Ingalls
- Foggy Lake (Gothic Basin)
- Sheep Lake
- Lake Valhalla
- Lake 22
- Blue Lake
- Lake Crescent
- Tolmie Peak & Eunice Lake
In this post, we’ll cover a majority of these hikes (like ones I’ve personally done), but the list includes extras you might want to explore!
Click here to view a live version of the map!
Mount Rainier National Park Area Alpine Lake Hikes
Tipsoo Lake
- Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles around the lake
- Elevation Gain: Negligible
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Type: Loop
- Best Time to Hike: June through October
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Permit: Required for entry into Mount Rainier National Park
Tipsoo Lake is easily accessible with a short 1.5-mile loop trail that offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier (one of the best US National Parks).
The lake is surrounded by wildflower meadows, making it a perfect spot for photographers and families.
Visiting Tipsoo Lake during the wildflower bloom was like walking through a fairytale!
Summit Lake
- Distance: Approximately 5.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,417 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: June through September
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
Summit Lake is a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.
The trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and leads to the tranquil Summit Lake, where you can enjoy a little picnic or a refreshing swim.
The first time I reached Summit Lake, the reflection of Mount Rainier on the water’s surface left me in awe!
This is a super popular hike on Instagram and it’s pretty easy to see why people love it.
Dewey Lake
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,282 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: June through September
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
Dewey Lake is a 6-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet.
The trail offers beautiful views of Mount Rainier and passes through vibrant wildflower meadows.
Dewey Lake is an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, and camping.
Hikes In Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Colchuck Lake
- Distance: Approximately 8.7 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,342 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: May through October
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
Colchuck Lake is an iconic alpine gem that offers breathtaking views of granite spires and turquoise waters.
The challenging 8.7-mile hike rewards determined adventurers with unforgettable memories.
For the best photography, arrive early to capture the morning light on the lake’s surface.
Keep an eye out for marmots sunbathing on the rocks and consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the secluded spots along the shore.
After you’re done exploring Colchuck, you can meander around Leavenworth, Washington, a cute mountain town in WA!
Also, Leavenworth during Christmas is like *a chef’s kiss.
Insider Tip: If you’re up for an extra challenge, hike to Aasgard Pass for panoramic views of the Enchantments.
Snow Lake
- Distance: Approximately 6.7 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: July through September
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
Snow Lake is the largest alpine lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, making it a popular destination for hikers.
The trail is about 7.2 miles round trip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,800 feet.
The path is well-maintained and offers stunning vistas of the lake, especially in the late summer and early fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds have thinned.
The first time I hiked to Snow Lake, I was so shocked these kinds of hikes exist near Seattle!
That said, this trail is super popular.
You’ll want to get to the parking lot early so you have some time to enjoy the lake to yourself!
Lake Serene
- Distance: Approximately 7.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,736 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: June through September
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: No permit required
This moderately challenging hike offers the opportunity to experience the enchantment of Lake Serene and the cascading grandeur of Bridal Veil Falls.
The 7.8-mile round-trip journey with a 2,000-foot elevation gain leads hikers through lush forests to a breathtaking alpine oasis.
Combining the serene lake and the mighty waterfall creates a truly unforgettable experience.
My hike to Lake Serene was so much fun! The first thing I noticed when I got there was the crystal clear water, which made the hike extra special.
I recommend doing this hike when it’s sunny outside if you can.
Blanca Lake
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,300 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: June through October
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: No permit required
Blanca Lake is known for its striking blue-green water, a result of glacial melt mixing with rock flour.
This hike is one of the more challenging ones, with a 8-mile round trip distance and an elevation gain of 3,300 feet.
The trail takes you through lush forests and steep switchbacks before revealing the breathtaking sight of Blanca Lake.
Despite the tough climb, the view of the lake and its surrounding peaks make it worth it!
Enchantments (Core Enchantments Zone)
- Distance: Varies significantly depending on the route (typically 15-20 miles round trip or more for multi-day hikes)
- Elevation Gain: Varies significantly depending on the route (typically 4,000-6,000 feet or more)
- Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous
- Trail Type: Varies depending on the route (out-and-back, loop, point-to-point)
- Best Time to Hike: July through October
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Permit: Required for overnight camping within the core zone
The Enchantments is a bucket-list hike for many, featuring multiple alpine lakes, granite peaks, and high alpine meadows.
The full thru-hike is about 18 miles with significant elevation changes, making it suitable for experienced hikers.
The beauty of the Core Enchantments Zone, with its pristine lakes like Perfection Lake and Inspiration Lake, is *chef’s kiss.
If you decide to go, you will have to get permits!
It’s also worth mentioning that this will most likely be a multi-day adventure!
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Alpine Lake Hikes
Heather Lake
- Distance: Approximately 4.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Around 1,204 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: May through November
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Required for overnight camping
Heather Lake offers a moderate hike, perfect for families or those looking for a shorter adventure.
The 4.6-mile round trip trail with a 1,000-foot elevation gain takes you through old-growth forest to the reflective waters of Heather Lake.
The serene environment make it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely day hike.
Picture Lake
- Distance: Approximately 0.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Negligible
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Trail Type: Loop
- Best Time to Hike: June through November
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: No permit required
Picture Lake is easily accessible and provides a short, 0.5-mile loop trail.
This picturesque lake is famous for its stunning reflections of Mount Shuksan.
It’s an ideal spot for photographers and families looking for a leisurely walk with beautiful views.
Lake Ann
- Distance: Approximately 8.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,047 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: July through October
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping
Lake Ann is a moderately challenging 8.6-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet.
The trail offers a mix of forested areas and open meadows, culminating in the beautiful Lake Ann nestled beneath Mount Shuksan.
The hike is especially rewarding in late summer when wildflowers are in full bloom.
Jade Lake (Best Alpine Lake Hike in Washington)
- Distance: Approximately 20.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 4,271 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: May through September
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Wilderness permit required
Jade Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, accessible via a challenging 20-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 4,000 feet.
The trail takes you through dense forests, over rocky terrain, and past sparkling streams, ultimately leading to the lake’s emerald waters.
The striking color of the lake, surrounded by rugged peaks and alpine meadows, makes the strenuous trek worthwhile.
Candidly, the hike to Jade Lake kind of sucked BUT all that went away when I finally turned the corner and saw the blue-green water.
It’s a breathtaking hike and a great one to do if you want the adventure!
Gothic Basin
- Distance: Approximately 9.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Around 3,139 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Hike: June through October
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Permit: Required for overnight camping
Gothic Basin is a hike for those seeking a bit more challenge and adventure.
The 9.3-mile round trip trail with a 3,100-foot elevation gain leads you to Foggy Lake, surrounded by a dramatic mountain view.
The trail can be steep and rocky, but the breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment at reaching the basin are well worth it.
Final Thoughts On The Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Washington
Washington’s alpine lakes offer some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
From challenging trails like Blanca Lake and the Enchantments to more accessible hikes like Heather Lake and Lake Serene, there’s something for every type of hiker.
Plan your next adventure and explore these stunning natural wonders.
Don’t forget to share your experiences, ask questions, or subscribe to my blog for more hiking guides and tips. Happy hiking!
