Blanca Lake, Washington

From Leavenworth, head south on Icicle Creek rd for 8.2 miles until you reach USFS rd 7601. This road isn't plowed and is blocked by a locked gate about one quarter mile from where it intersects with Icicle Creek Road (usually from November to May), so parking at the intersection is probably your...

Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...

There are a couple different ways to tackle this hike through the stunning Central Cascade region. I recommend checking out this handy resource for more detailed info. Bottom line: this is an absolutely amazing hike for people willing to take a little bit of an ass kicking. Aasgard Pass rises 1,...

The Trail Lace up your boots, situate your pack, and get ready to gain 3000 vertical feet over the next eight miles. The way begins placidly enough, paralleling Mountaineer Creek through dense, healthy forests. The constant murmur (or roar, depending upon the season) of the creek will be a a fel...

This hike is 7.4 miles roundtrip, with 2100 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ...

This hike has unreal views of Mount Rainier. On a great clear spring day, the mountain is out. It's right in your face. It's incredible. If you tackle this hike in the spring the bear grass and wildflowers are alive and blooming towards the top and it makes for some fantastic picture-taking. Once...

Ira Spring trail offers up great views prior to reaching the ridge that you go over to reach Mason Lake. The lake itself is an amazing sight—beautiful water with rocks and trees along the shores, making this 6.5-mile roundtrip hike well worth it. The trail to Mason Lake, the Ira Spring trail, pr...

I backpacked to and setup basecamp at Rainbow Lake and then I ran over to Island Lake. After enjoying the peace and quite I ran up to the top of Bandera Mountain and enjoyed the views. Then, I ran back to basecamp and spent the night. The following morning I ran up to the top of Mount Defiance a...

Getting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rach...

The Trail: With very little elevation gain, the first three miles of the trail are the easiest; the next mile up to Rachel Lake is great work out. After reaching Rachael Lake, look for the sign that says "trail" to find your way to Rampart Lakes. While there are many side trails that turn out ...

Start off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...

Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the ...

This is a beginner to intermediate hike, at the first mile the trail has it first break where you can go up to the Lookout. If you continue going straight, you'll find waterfalls and lakes on the trail. 2.5 Miles in on the trail is another turn to Ollalie and Talapus Lake. Continue onto the 4-m...

This overnight hike is definitely a challenge with 2,300 feet of elevation gain but all that huffing and puffing will be worth it when you reach the beautiful Pratt Lake Basin. The trail can be a bit busy in the first mile but most of the traffic is from day hikers on their way up the popular Gr...

With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake. If you feel like pressing on, Ollalie Lake is j...

Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...