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If you're looking for elevation gain, Alpine Lakes Wilderness has you covered. Open in Google Maps. Summer Trout in High Mountain Lakes of Oregon and Washington - Dennis (509) 653-1401, Wenatchee River Ranger District Related Read:16 Best Hikes Near Spokane, Washington. While some do get stocked, many of these fish are naturally-reproducing and may scoff at artificial baits like PowerBait. At mile eight youll reach a remote basin, where youll find the forested Lower Wildcat Lake. I've been seeking out the most remote points in wilderness areas recently, and it turns out the most remote point in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is at 5,500ft on a promontory above treeline looking over Lake Rowena, near Mt Hinman. 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. There are more than 600 lakes within the park, many offering plenty of fishing opportunities. Photo: Addison KlinkeLocated further up the same road as Lake Ingalls, Robin Lakes are the perfect candidate for a weekend trip. This trail gets you to a beautiful lake! Can you hunt in Alpine Lakes Wilderness? - Safe Harbor Fishing Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington - The Outbound Many are very good fishing. What on earth would I do if four bears came into my camp? At over 400 thousand acres, there are virtually limitless opportunities for fishing. The best way to access the lake is via the Pete Lake Trail-head in the Cle Elum drainage (directions below). United States government. En route, youll wander along decent tread that meanders through cedar groves, rocky slopes, and at times swampy terrain. Carter Reschke is a freelance writer based in Oregon. Washington boasts many of the most incredible landscapes in the United States. Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Lake Malachite: 267 Reviews, Map - Washington Dont be fooled by the mileage hiking Cathedral Pass and Deception Pass comes with a challenge. Alpine season goes by in a flash. Because nearly all of the lakes in this wilderness (as with most other alpine lakes) require a substantial hike-in to access, youre very likely to find solitude. Bait can also be effective. Watch your footing and stay on the trail. Just about all of the lakes that are deep enough to not freeze to the bottom have fish in them. 2023 Best Fishing Trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness | AllTrails Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, Trout Lake, Middle and Upper Copper Falls and Malachite Falls. To the west of the Enchantments, there are plenty of opportunities around the Stevens Pass Ski Area take the Pacific Crest Trail to the south and see where it leads! Crescent is a special place with unique but threatened species of rainbow and cutthroat trout, which can be fished strictly catch-and-release to provide a challenging reward for fly and conventional anglers. The wilderness, located high up in Washingtons Cascade Mountains east of Seattle, is also home to the legendary Enchantments, a permit-only area with incredible fall foliage and craggy peaks as far as the eye can see. May I add early summer Can equal crazy mosquitoes. https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/highlakes/, Wash Department of Fish and Wildlife high lakes page. Alternate routes: Mineral Creek, Snoqualmie Pass. Chances also are that you havent won a permit in the lottery system. 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. The Owhi Campground on Cooper Lake is tucked away in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Salmon La Sac. The Very Best Trout Fishing Lures for the Pacific - Riptidefish TRS: T23R12E SEC24 Only a small percentage of our high lakes have introduced fish populations. About a mile from the trailhead youll find a spot for water play. They tend to be less choked with brush and often have better water chemistry, less flushing of nutrients and bigger fish. Serious backpackers who enjoy using their navigation skills will not want to miss this one! Rimrock Lake Fishing It took me a few years to develop a sense of what alpine lakes are even worth the trip to. This alpine lake is glacier fed. Fish Lake is one of the region's most popular fishing spots, catch your quota of brook trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout. Addison Klinke If you're looking for elevation gain, Alpine Lakes Wilderness has you covered. If you happen to strike it rich in the lottery, grab your backpacking gear and prepare for an epic journey. 11 Best Hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Territory Supply Lake Roosevelt. The trail also passes Marmot Lake whose beach-like shores make for a nice swimming break on hot summer days. The park's runner-up is Rainy Lake, which will get you 901 m of elevation gain. But for those of us who havent won it big in the lottery yet, here are some of my favorite alternatives. Show us by creating an adventure. No roads cross the trail here, which means no resupplying. Acreage: 37.70 ac. 803 W. 2nd Street Spectacle is a beautiful high lake nestled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness northwest of Kachess Reservoir. Why you should go: A waterfall-fed lake with the rugged Cathedral Rock towering in the background. 7. If you couldnt get an overnight pass, you can still experience this area with a worthy hike out to Cholchuck Lake. (509) 852-1100, Entiat Ranger District Asking anyone to give up their favorite alpine lakes with big fish in them is not likely to ever yield a response. Once you pass the first bridge (which appears to be very new and sturdy with an I-beam girder support structure) you will shortly come upon Trout lake and then immediately start into the steep switchbacks up Good, challenging, but not too hard of a trail. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. This glacier-fed body of water attracts visitors and boaters from across the state. Cruel hints of lowland spring may give hope to some, but the initiated know theres still the snowpack to wait out. Gaze out into the distance and youll have views of Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula on a clear day. Go find out! Where is the best trail to hike for fishing in Alpine Lakes Wilderness? 8 of the Most Beautiful National Parks in the U.S. 12 Best Washington Coast Camping Spots for a Peaceful Trip, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado for Getting Out into Nature. The 80 acre lake sits at an elevation of 4,239 feet. Learn more. safe travels. The wildflowers, sunset views, Milky Way, and meteors lessen the sting of a botched summit bid. The first mile or is relatively flat passing through lush forests with a few old growth gems hidden in plain sight (just off the trail halfway to the first bridge is a giant - at least 10ft diameter). From the dramatic Olympic Peninsula to the jagged North Cascades, its one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Lake Chelan State Park. (509) 682-4900, Cle Elum Ranger District Distance: 9 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 2,500 ft. Views of Mount Stuart on the trail to Lake Ingalls. Give us a call, the fish are striking! Alpine Lakes Wilderness is located in the rugged Central Cascades Region of Washington state and is jointly administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. Well established campsites fill up quickly on a weekend. If driving time is not a big deal you might want to research some lakes on the east side of the mountains. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. Tree covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Why you should go: A relatively easy trek out to a picturesque alpine lake with spots for lakeside camping. The United States is home to some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes on the planet, many of which are preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. Lucky us. According to AllTrails.com, the longest fishing trail in Alpine Lakes Wilderness is. Distance: 20 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 7,600 ft. Sunrise at Upper Ice Lake. Jade Lake is one of several lakes tucked away in Necklace Valley. Dont be afraid to eat a nice brookie for dinner. And then there's the high alpine lakes. This trail is estimated to be 22.0 km long. I escaped Spokane one springtime with a group of friends from our college outdoors club. more then happy to give advice on fishing alpine lakes or backpacking though. Day use and overnight wilderness permits are required for several of the hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. These maps incorporate an incredible amount of detail, from topo to forest roads to trails. Distance: 21 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 4,000 ft. Turquoise blue waters await hikers approaching Jade Lake. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Spectacle Lake | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS My lungs and legs were burning as I climbed over the ridgeline and caught my first glimpse of Lake Ingalls. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. Asking anyone to give up their favorite alpine lakes with big fish in them is not likely to ever yield a response. Hiking For Mountain Trout in the Pacific Nortwest - Riptidefish This guidebook coves over 25 streams and 200 rivers . Explore the most popular fishing trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. One way ~11 miles 1400' gain. When it comes to lakes, Olympic National Park is a good place to go if youd rather skip the hiking and get straight to the fishing. Part of the beauty of fishing alpine lakes is discovering them for yourself starting at a trailhead and simply exploring is often how the real hidden gems are found! However, they offer some smaller sizes that are more appropriate for alpine lake fishing where the forage is usually smaller. Our special brand of shack nasty is only beginning to peak. 9 Amazing Lake Camping Sites in Washington - Territory Supply Take a dip in the cool water and pitch your tent lakeside. Most of the lakes within easy reach of Snoqualmie Pass or other popular areas have small trout, but there are exceptions. This heart-pumping trek switchbacks up a steep ascent of nearly 3,800 feet before reaching the summit. We have a special fondness for these alpine jewels. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. One of the things that makes alpine lake fishing such a blast is that the fish usually arent picky. Then Ice Lakes Basin in the Glacier Peak Wilderness is your kind of place. Lake Chelan is a gargantuan lake that measures 50.5 miles from point to point and is the third-deepest lake in the United States at a depth of 1,486 feet. The lake is quiet, very photogenic, and easily accessible. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Dont forget to pick up an Alpine Lakes Wilderness map before you head out into the thick of it. website belongs to an official government organization in the Learn more. Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods. The North Cascades are some of the most rugged mountains in the United States, so be careful, particularly if you decide to go off-trail. Alpine Lakes Trout Fishing - NWFR - Northwest Fishing Reports Situated right at treeline, the views from Tanks Lakes showcase several nearby peaks including Bears Breast, Iron Cap, and Summit Chief. Why you should go: The holy grail of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Seated below Mount Maude, one of the highest non-volcanic peaks in the state, the basin is home to two scenic lakes plus a waterfall! Continue past gas stations, taking a right onto SE Middle Fork Rd. Fishing at Mt. Rainier | Visit Rainier Start off with an easy walk to reach this mid-size lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. There are thousands of these lakes across Washington, and if you know where to look, you can enjoy some of the best trout fishing in the Pacific Northwest. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers and enthusiasts in the Washington area. One of the most strenuous portions is Aasgard Pass, where youll gain around 2,000 feet in less than a mile. Distance: 16 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 4,100 ft. View from the outflow of Lower Robin Lake: Cathedral Rock on the left and Mount Daniel on the right. County: Kittitas The towering peak of Cathedral Rock sets the mood for the pristine waterfall-fed Deep Lake resting below. Getting started lakes Getting started lakes We have selected a small subset of high lakes that have reasonable access that will allow you to dip your toes into high lakes adventure. Grab a snack and take in the view because the smooth sailing wont last. Though youll need a permit to camp overnight, a few of the lakes are accessible by day hikes, making them good opportunities if you head out early enough in the morning. As the crowds thin out past the lake, youll encounter Lemah Creek. These are versatile flies that mimic several food items. Why you should go: A moderate trek out to a striking turquoise blue glacier-fed lake. What is the longest fishing trail in Alpine Lakes Wilderness? If youre looking for some guidance for your adventures, though, try starting in and around the Enchantments. 428 W. Woodin Avenue The tourist-friendly city of Chelan sits at the lake's southern end. just read the content posted above and click on "like". There are at least 950 additional alpine lakes located east of the Cascade Mountains. Trying out a new lake not knowing what I will find is part of what I really enjoy about fishing alpine lakes. The hikes are listed in order of increasing difficulty (and as a result, increasing solitude) from a fairly casual overnight to an all-out, off-trail, thigh burning trek to one of the most remote locations Washington has to offer. Some of the names may cause you to think twice before heading up: Bloody Tower, Cruel Thumb, Cynical Pinnacle or Crocodile Fang. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is home to a variety of ecosystems, including fragile alpine habitats. Mineral Lake, Washington If you're looking for a tranquil spot to cast your line, check out this serene 277-acre lake located three miles . Various fly patterns or small spinners/spoons can be effective. Sure, the Enchantments are beautiful. Beginning at Tuquala Meadows, youll climb gently through the forest to Hyas Lake. If you encounter a mountain goat, keep your distance. High lakes tend to be clearer than low lakes. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. When youre picturing the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the name says it all. Photo: Mitch PittmanFor those seeking a bit more solitude, look no further than Tank Lakes. How large? Go find out! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Where is the best fishing in Washington State? The Washington State Trail Blazers is a private club, formed in 1933, devoted to "better alpine fishing." There are only a handful of routes you can take, all of which demand every ounce of strength youve got. Hikers will encounter a variety of alpine ecosystems, ridgetop views, and of course the deep blue lake but not without a steady climb first. Exploring (and, more often than not, bushwhacking) through the dense forests and expansive peaks of Washington isnt for everyone, but if youve got a mind and body for adventuring, its an experience thats almost always worth it. ( Lake Quinault is another big drive-up lake, this one on the southwest boundary of the park (with fishing regulated by the Quinault Nation). Depending on the lake's elevation, geographic positioning, and the weather on any given year, anglers get roughly 3-4 months to explore the West's high altitude fisheries. Fishing is possible in the upper lakes. Literally shit myself lifeless. Plan for at least a 2-night, 3-day backpack trip. Be prepared, however, for a notable amount of elevation change. #1 - Snow Lake Trail Alpine Lakes Wilderness Length: 6.7 mi Est. As you break from the forest, you begin your switchback through open meadows. Best advice I can give you from my own experience is choose lakes for their castability (check google earth and photos of the lakes) and ones you want to backpack to regardless of the fishing. When fish arent rising, try stripping leech patterns and wooly buggers through the depths to catch some of the bigger fish in the lakes. We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation dedicated to continuing the alpine fishing experience for public enjoyment. It would be utter blasphemy not to mention The Enchantments in any conversation about the Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails. Related Read:9 Amazing Lake Camping Sites in Washington. As others mention, most of the lakes have trout, but most of them are either small brookies or cutthroat. 600 Sherbourne Waptus Lake is a mile long from its outlet to its inlet at the upper (west end) and offers a commanding view of the surrounding peaks that include Mt. As its a section hike, youll also need to plan for a shuttle vehicle or pickup if you dont want to retrace your steps. Share sensitive information only After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. Trail 1064 is a rocky, root strewn trail for most of the way up to the Alpine lakes. They are out there, just gotta get out and start exploring! Naturally reproducing Rainbow Trout can sometimes be elusive, the wiley fisherman might stay overnight to catch what can be a busy evening rise. Washington's Central Cascades Fishing Guide by Dave Shorett. Set aside a long weekend, because there will be plenty to explore on this 21 mile roundtrip route. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is hard to beat for remote lakes and proximity to Seattle. Waited until the last minute to plan your weekend? Check our. Three Peaks Outfitters, Horseback Pack Trips/Drop Camps, Cle Elum, WA 5 Gorgeous Alpine Lakes In Washington That Aren't The Enchantments There is a catch though, and it is that this area is one of the most visited and enjoyed wilderness areas in the country. so at least pointers are nice and will help me out! Headquarters Words dont do The Enchantments justice. You might also wanna check out the Washington State Hi-Lakers website for some tips. The first lake you come across may have thousands of small cutthroat, while the next lake is full of big brook trout. It is recommended to drive an AWD or high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access this trailhead. Don't see your favorite adventure on The Outbound? We hope it re-opens soon. This large Nisqually River reservoir is located five miles south of Eatonville. If youre 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. Whether you want to catch some brook trout on a backpacking trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness or youd rather bushwhack through the forests of the Olympic Peninsula, weve got you covered. Photo: Addison KlinkeLove having the trail all to yourself? Several social trails lead to campsites, with the south side offering some of the best. Alpine Laker in search of fish | Washington Fly Fishing Forum Leavenworth, WA 98826 16 mi / 2800 ft gain. One high lake expert, when he sees trout rising, starts fly-fishing with elk hair caddis and gold-ribbed hare's ear flies. 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 area is accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails. More than halfway there the challenge begins with a sometimes indistinct fisherman's trail that climbs to the lake outlet. Some sort of lightweight watercraft is necessary for many of them. Official websites use .gov A .gov Washington Hi-Lakers - Dedicated to high lakes fishing and preserving the mountain environment Club Meetings Hi-Laker meetings are open to the public and visitors are warmly welcomed! There are actually more than seven lakes and ponds filled to the brim with fish here, and its both a scenic and productive spot to fish. And the lakes themselves arent bad either two sparkling blue gems with white granite backdrops. 2023 Best 10 Fishing Trails in Washington | AllTrails I try to look at fishing reports but a lot of them are very outdated. Acreage: 77.80 ac. Why you should go: A short yet challenging overnighter to the scenic Hyas Lake and cloud-piercing Cathedral Rock. i really need this. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests. A good bug spray does the trick, especially if reapplied at the top. Marten Lake | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife With a brief summer to gorge on bugs the fish can quickly overpopulate a lake and stunting of the fish occurs. Alpine lake fishing - Washington : r/Tenkara - Reddit Carefully cross this & ascend another .5m until taking the right hand junction down to the lake peninsula. The town itself can only be reached by boat, primarily through local ferry service, so youll have to factor that into your planning if youre planning on exploring in that area. LockA locked padlock i still have a tough time sleeping the night before . Youll wind through old-growth forest and mountainous snowfields, with each unique landscape eliciting its own wonderment. One of the beauties of fishing in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness other than the obvious natural beauty youll be surrounded by is that most of the lakes hold fish, with each lake offering different opportunities. JavaScript is disabled. Some of the lakes to consider fishing in the North Cascades include Ross Lake and the Thorton Lakes, but put on your explorers cap because there are more than 60 trout lakes within the park. We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers experience, user reviews and more. Daniel, Bears Breast, and Summit Chief. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the most famous hiking regions in Washington its packed with trails, mountains, and plenty of lakes. The Washington State Trail Blazers is a private club, formed in 1933, devoted to "better alpine fishing." Club members work as volunteers for the State of Washington, backpacking trout fry into Washington's alpine lakes. Difficult creek crossings, snowy terrain, and grueling switchbacks all lie ahead. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . It holds mostly Eastern Brook Trout with an occasional report of Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout. Day use permits are free and are self-registered at the trailhead. That's more than enough time to cash in on some phenomenal dry fly action. Copper Lake | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Take a dip if you dare. Club members work as volunteers for the State of Washington, backpacking trout fry into Washington's alpine lakes. Bear in mind that most of those lakes are not easy to cast into from shore with a fly rod. Chelan, WA 98816 Fishing in the alpine lakes in the North Cascades felt like cheating. Best suited for the experienced hikers, Granite Mountain is a solid day romp for those seeking exhilarating terrain. Youll also find cutthroat trout and rainbow trout to be plentiful in these lakes, and some of the higher lakes even have golden trout. Other nearby lakes offer additional fishing opportunities. A travel guide's warning to avoid Lake Tahoe may jolt the region into