The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a wilderness area located in the Central Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Basically situated in the Central Cascades between US-Highway 2/ Stevens Pass (on the northern end) and I-90/ Snoqualmie Pass (on the southern end), the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is administered by both the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest.

Paradise Lakes

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness got its name from the 700+ mountain lakes found amongst the majestic rocky peaks and densely forested hillsides of the Central Cascades. The official Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area was created by Congress in 1976 via the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Act as an effort to protect the region in its natural form. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is approximately 394,000 acres. There are 47 trailheads and 615 miles of backcountry trails within the region.

The region, itself, is quite diverse. In the western portions of the area, as much as 180 inches of precipitation might occur in a given year, providing a favorable environment for Douglas fir, western hemlock, cedar, mountain berries, stream meadows, and underbrush. Conversely, in the eastern portions of the area, as little as 10 inches of precipitation might occur in a given year, providing a favorable environment for pine, spruce, and grasslands.

The highest point of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is Mount Stuart, which at 9415' elevation is the second-highest non-volcano in Washington State.

Getting There

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, by virtue of being such a large area, can be accessed from multiple locations in the Central Cascades.

For the northern portions of the area, various trails and peaks can be accessed via Highway 2. Reference Green Trails Maps #175 and/or #176.

For the western portions of the area, various trails and peaks can be accessed via the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River (north of North Bend, WA). Reference Green Trails Maps #174 and/or #206.

For the southern portions of the area, various trails and peaks can be accessed via I-90 and Highway 903. Reference Green Trails Maps #206, #207, and/or #208.

For the eastern portions of the area, various trails and peaks can be accessed via Highways 2, 97, and 970. Reference Green Trails Maps #177, #209, and/or #209S.

Red Tape

ALL visitors to the the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are required to have a Wilderness Permit from May 15 to October 31. Wilderness permits are free and can be obtained at trailheads and ranger stations.*

If parking a vehicle in the region, most, if not all, of the trailheads within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness require a Northwest Forest Pass. A single-day Northwest Forest Pass costs $5, while an annual Northwest Forest Pass costs $30. Northwest Forest Passes can be purchased from ranger stations and at REI stores (if not also other outdoor recreation stores) within Washington State.

*The Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has special rules and restrictions. Overnight Wilderness Permits are required in The Enchantments from June 15-October 15, and an application must be submitted for each new trip. Permits cost money and have limited availability. For more information visit the official Forest Service website for special permit information.

Camping

Although backcountry camping and campfires are permitted within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, there are specific rules and locations.

Camping is ONLY allowed at designated sites within 1/2-mile of:
From North Bend/ I-90: Gem Lake, Gravel Lake, Island Lake, Lower Tuscohatchie Lake, Mason Lake, Melakwa Lake, Olallie Lake, Pratt Lake, Rainbow Lake, Snow Lake, Talapus Lake, and Williams Lake.

From Skykomish/ Highway 2: Big Heart Lake, Copper Lake, Lake Dorothy, Little Heart Lake, Malachite Lake, Surprise Lake, and Trout Lake.

From Cle-Elum/ Highway 903: Ridge Lake.

From Wenatchee River/ Highways 2 & 97: Caroline Lake, Chain Lakes, Colchuck Lake, Doelle Lakes, Headlight Basin, Ingalls Lake, Lake Mary, Little Caroline Lake, Nada Lake, Snow Lakes, and Upper Lake Florence.

Campfires also have special rules and restrictions:
No campfires are permitted above 4000' elevation in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. No campfires are permitted above 5000' elevation in the Wenatchee National Forest.

No campfires are permitted within 1/2-mile of:
From North Bend/ I-90: Lower Tuscohatchie Lake, Olallie Lake, Pratt Lake, and Talapus Lake.

From Skykomish/ Highway 2: Lake Dorothy and Trout Lake.

From Cle-Elum/ Highways 903 & 970: Deep Lake, Glacier Lake, Lake Ivanhoe, Rachel Lake, Rebecca Lake, Shovel Lake, Spectacle Lake, and Upper Park Lake.

From Wenatchee River/ Highways 2 & 97: Eightmile Lake, Hope Lake, Josephine Lake, Leland Lake, Little Eightmile Lake, Mig Lake, Nada Lake, Swimming Deer Lake, Square Lake, Trout Lake, Wolverine Lake, Lake Susan Jane, and the junction of the French Creek & Icicle Creek Trails.

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