Tuck and Robin Lakes

Robin Lakes have been coined "The Little Enchantments", and once you visit, you'll realize the nickname is strikingly accurate. But while the hike up is no Aasgard Pass, it's far from a walk in the park.

When you leave the car at the end of the pothole-ridden Salmon La Sac forest service road, you've got an easy-on-the-way-in, seemingly endless on the way out, 3 mile flat stretch of trail along Hyas Lake before starting your climb towards Deception Pass. The well-marked trail for Tuck and Robin veers off a 1/2 mile before reaching the pass and the real climbing begins.

The haul up to Tuck Lake is grueling, with steep switchbacks and over 1,000 feet of elevation in a mile. You'll be tempted to drop the pack and set up camp along Tuck when you arrive, but don't give in - the best is yet to come. Rest, have a snack, even take a nap, but don't stay the night here - Robin Lakes are the real jewel.

It starts by dropping over a knoll and crossing a log jam. At that point cairns become your best friend, as the trail turns mostly to granite. Follow the cairns as you ascend up the next 1.5 miles. As you cross the outlet of Robin Lakes the path becomes a large granite slab and the cairns meander across the slab and upward. You may be ready to call it quits with your calves and hamstrings burning, but the end is almost near.

When you reach the saddle, take a moment to soak in the sea of granite, the stunning lakes and the jaw-dropping backdrop of Cathedral Rock and Mt. Daniel. It's that view, and it's similarities to the Enchantments, that brings the hordes on sunny weekends in the summer months. There are many campsites that surround the lakes, each with an equally unique and photo worthy view - be sure to nab one before they're all gone.

With mountain goats frequent visitors, Granite Mountain up above and trails leading every which way, there's tons to see and explore once you arrive. You've found a little un-permitted slice of paradise in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Of note: bugs are particularly terrible from early July through late August. If you want to experience the beauty without the swarms of insects, September is your ideal month. But don't expect the golden glow of larches, as they are few and far between in this area.Also, dogs are allowed. Fires are not.