Alpine Lakes Wilderness hiking

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness area is a fantastic place to hike. Excellent high country views and cold lakes. Located on the east side of the cascade mountains it is a drier climate.

The area is visited by over 100,000 each summer. The regulations are stricter than a lot of areas. Permits are required for all visitors. No campfires above 5000' due to the limited amount of potential firewood. And no campfires within 1/2 mile of the lakes.

It is a great area to visit, steep and rocky in places. Please use "Leave no Trace" techniques to save the area for all the people who will follow your footsteps.

Good access from the Cle Elum area or Leavenworth (colchuck lake) and Icicle creek area.

You will need a wilderness permit and a Forest Pass for parking.

Wilderness Permits:

Between May 15th and October 15th, all visitors to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness need a Wilderness Permit. A Wilderness Permit can be obtained free at trailheads. A copy of the permit is carried with you and a portion is deposited in the box at the trailhead.

"Iron Rangers"- Northwest Forest Pass

Iron Rangers are self-service Northwest Forest Pass pay stations. These are located at the following locations within our district:

Cle Elum area:

Swauk Forest Discovery Trail

Taneum Junction

Riders Camp

Manastash Camp

Salmon La Sac

North Fork Teanaway at the junction of road #9737 and #9703

Cathedral Pass Trail Head.

Forest Service-Alpine Lakes Wilderness site

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