Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie
The popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres in the Central Cascades Region within Washington state. The area is accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) enters from Stevens Pass on the north to follow the crest south, with a long westward bend to Snoqualmie Pass, a distance of 67 trail miles.
More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of this wilderness. Tree covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. From wet forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and an understory of salal and berries, to firs and mountain hemlock, the landscape opens up to expansive meadows matted with low growth and ends with dry forestland of ponderosa pine and grasses.
The Enchantment Lakes area contains the Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States. Some of the names may cause you to think twice before heading up: Bloody Tower, Cruel Thumb, Cynical Pinnacle or Crocodile Fang. Dozens of solid granite spires offer routes from the low Class 5s to 5.11 and faces as long as 1,500 feet.
Note: Alpine Lakes Wilderness is impacted by nearly 150,000 visitors each year, many with little understanding of Wilderness ethics. In order to preserve the integrity of the Wilderness it has become necessary to impose additional restrictions in many areas. Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | An overnight reservation permit is required from June 15 to October 15 for entry to the unique Enchantments Area. Alpine Lakes Enchantments overnight permit information. 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. |
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Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. See: Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations Booklet (PDF File) |
Closest Towns: | Leavenworth, WA |
Passes: | Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details. |
Information Center: |
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General Information
General Notes:Trailheads/Trails that access Alpine Lakes Wilderness at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Bare Mountain Trailhead - Bare Mountain Trail 1037, Lennox Creek Trail 1001.
- Deception Creek Trailhead - Deception Creek Trail 1059.
- Denny Creek Trailhead - Denny Creek Trail 1014.
- Dorothy Lake Trailhead - Dorothy Lake Trail 1072.
- Dutch Miller Gap Trailhead - Hester Lake Trail 1005.1, Dingford Creek Trail 1005, Dutch Miller Gap Trail 1030, Rock Creek Trail 1013.1, Williams Lake Trail 1031.1.
- Gold Creek Trailhead - Gold Creek Trail #1314.
- Ira Spring Trailhead - Ira Spring (Mason Lake) Trail 1038, Mount Defiance Trail 1009.
- Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead - Middle Fork Trail 1003.
- Necklace Valley Trailhead - Necklace Valley Trail 1062.
- Pacific Crest - Snoqualmie North Trailhead - Pacific Crest Trail 2000 Snoq.Pass N., Commonwealth Basin Trail 1033.
- Pratt Lake Trailhead - Pratt Lake Trail 1007, Granite Mountain Trail 1016.
- Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead - Snoqualmie Lake Trail 1002, Marten Lake Trail 1006, Nordrum Lake Trail 1004.
- Snow Lake Trailhead - Snow Lake Trail 1013, High Lakes Trail 1012.
- Surprise Creek Trailhead - Surprise Creek Trail 1060.
- Talapus Lake Trailhead – Talapus Lake Trail 1039.
- Tonga Ridge Trailhead – Tonga Ridge Trail 1058.
- West Fork Foss Lakes Trailhead – West Fork Foss Lakes Trail 1064.
Other trails within Alpine Lakes Wilderness at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
See also:
Directions:
Before you plan to visit the Alpine Lakes Wilderness check with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest -- Snoqualmie Ranger District: (425) 888-1421 or the Skykomish Ranger District: (360) 677-2414 for current conditions and regulations.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness is located in the rugged Central Cascades Region of Washington state and is jointly administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests.
Topo Maps
Bandera, Big Jim Mountain, Big Snow Mountain, Blewett, Cashmere Mountain, Chikamin Peak, Chiwaukum Mountains, Davis Peak, Enchantment Lakes, Grotto, Jack Ridge, Lake Philippa, Leavenworth, Mount Daniel, Mount Howard, Mount Phelps, Mount Si, Mount Stuart, Polallie Ridge, Scenic, Skykomish, Snoqualmie Lake, Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, The Cradle. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Alerts & Warnings
- Road to Artist Point Closed for the Season!
- Vault toilets at many locations now closed for the season.
- Lake 22 Trail Closure Extended
- Some Trails Still Closed due to Fire Activity
- PCT between Mica Lake and Suiattle Pass and Suiattle River Rd all Open!
- Campfire, Shooting and Other Restrictions Have been Lifted!
- Emergency Closure of Carbon River Bridge!
- Harris Lake Trailhead and FSR 5510 Closed
- Middle Fork Camping Closure
- Fireworks and Explosive Targets Prohibition
- Camping Restrictions
- Read this Before Climbing or Backpacking on Mt. Baker
- Food storage rules for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF
- Alcohol Prohibitions