15 Washington Hikes with Lakes: Best Places to See Alpine Water and Cool Off
Are you on the hunt for some of the best Washington hikes with lakes?
I get it! There’s something totally special about a hike that leads you to a magical alpine lake, nestled at the base of a towering mountain.
Well, good news for you, friend! I spent every weekend during the first half of this year exploring Washington and I’ve compiled this list for you.
So enjoy beautiful view after beautiful view as you hike through this Northwestern state in search of the best lakes it has to offer.
Best Washington Hikes With Lakes
Below you’ll find all of my top picks for hiking trails in Washington that lead you to sparkling blue alpine waters.
1. Colchuck Lake
Distance: 8.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
What would this list be without mentioning the ever-so-popular Colchuck Lake?
This difficult hike leads you through the woods, over a few wooden bridges, and brings you out to a clear, teal alpine lake.
Towering behind Colchuck Lake is Dragontail Peak, which stands at 8,842 feet.
People enjoy taking a dip into the lake to cool down after the long hike in the summer months. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, as they often wander the area.
This trail is very popular, so there’s no doubt that you’ll meet at least a few others on your way to the lake.
The Colchuck area is often the stopping point for those who aren’t continuing on to the Enchantments, which lies right over the peak.
Right in front of you is Aasgard Pass; an extremely tricky climb up the saddle between Dragontail Peak and the Enchantment Peaks, into the Enchantments Core Zone.
2. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
Distance: 7.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
I’m always on the hunt for 2-for-1 trails that offer even more than just a lake, which is why I love the hike to Lake Serene!
Along with getting to see a beautiful picturesque lake, you’ll also pass by Bridal Veil Falls, which is one of Washington’s tallest waterfalls.
Reach the waterfall by turning right at the fork in the trail, and then head to Lake Serene by coming back and heading to the left.
Once you’ve reached Lake Serene, you’ll totally understand why it’s been given this name. The serenity around the lake is wonderful.
Find a spot on Lunch Rock to rest and admire the beauty surrounding you, with Mount Index’s towering granite peaks high above the lake.
3. Maple Pass (Lake Ann)
Distance: 7.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Aside from Colchuck Lake, it’s pretty widely known that Maple Pass is one of the best Washington hikes with a lake.
This loop hike is just outside of North Cascades National Park on the Mountain Loop Highway and features some of the most beautiful views of the dramatic Cascade range.
On your way to the main viewpoint at the top, take a spur trail and head down to the shore of Lake Ann for a different perspective.
Then continue on and make your way up the trail, where you’ll have views for the entire hike of the magical mountain ranges.
Look down and you’ll see Lake Ann resting in the valley where you just stood not too long ago.
I really recommend visiting in the fall months, because this hike transforms into a red, orange, and yellow field of color.
4. Lake 22
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Although it isn’t entirely known where Lake 22 got its unique name, it is well known that this beautiful lake is worth the hike to!
It’s a moderately challenging hike through the woods with mountain views as you go, so you can enjoy the entire hike.
It’s a pretty classic hike to do while in Washington and showcases some of the state’s beauty without a super tough trail.
Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll likely see many people, as it is very popular, and you’ll catch a glimpse of Mount Pilchuck standing tall above Lake 22.
If it’s clear, consider walking around the lake on the trail that circles the lake, but be sure to stay on the trail to avoid damaging any sensitive vegetation.
Otherwise, have a seat on one of the many logs that have fallen in the water, dig out your packed lunch, and enjoy Lake 22.
5. Mount Storm King (Lake Crescent)
Distance: 4.1 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Location: Olympic National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
One of my personal favorite hikes in the Pacific Northwest is to the top of Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula.
This hike truly is no joke, as you climb uphill for nearly the entire thing, and then use ropes to get to the true summit.
Your legs will be burning, but once you round that final corner and get a glimpse of those epic views, you’ll totally forget about it.
Out into the distance, there are fjord-like mountains surrounding the bright blue Lake Crescent below you.
Look out for boaters down on the lake, as it’s a popular place for visitors to recreate during their time in Olympic.
Visit at either sunrise or sunset and you’ll be met with one of the most fantastic skies that you’ve ever seen!
6. Goat Lake
Distance: 10.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
The Mount Baker area is filled with fantastic trails, so it’s no surprise that the hike to Goat Lake makes this epic list.
This long but just moderately challenging trail serves you view after view until you’ve finally reached the large Goat Lake.
Just before reaching the lake, be sure to look for Mackintosh Falls, a small waterfall along Elliott Creek.
It can be kind of tricky to find the lake after reaching the waterfall, so definitely be aware of where you’re at and have some downloaded maps with you!
Goat Lake is especially beautiful when there’s just a small dusting of snow over the mountains or in the fall when foliage begins to turn red and yellow.
7. Tolmie Peak Lookout (Eunice Lake)
Distance: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
If you’re looking for a dreamy hike in Mount Rainier National Park that seems like it was plucked right out of a storybook, look no further.
The Tolmie Peak Lookout trail is just plain old magical. That’s all that really needs to be said!
Although popular, you can expect this trail to be just a tad less busy than others, because of its remote location.
Once you’ve reached the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, you’ll have incredible views of Mount Rainier in the distance and Eunice Lake below.
And you’ll surely be blown away by the layers of mountains that seem to continue for miles and miles beyond the lookout.
8. Blanca Lake
Distance: 8.1 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
This difficult trail has quite a bit of elevation gain as you make your way through the Wild Sky Wilderness to Blanca Lake.
Views of Glacier Peak, one of Washington’s 5 active volcanoes, are visible as you hike.
Waterfalls flow into the lake from Columbia Glacier, which is what gives Blanca Lake its bright turquoise color.
It’s a really unique color that isn’t seen in most other lakes in the area, so it’s highly worth making the trip.
After you’ve made your way up the nearly 30 switchbacks to reach this vibrant lake, you’ll be more than ready to sit down and take a rest.
9. The Enchantments
Distance: 20-23 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
If you’ve ever done any research on the best alpine lake hikes in Washington, then you’ve undoubtedly seen information about The Enchantments.
This magical point-to-point trail isn’t anything to underestimate, as it will take you a full day, covering over 20 miles and 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
But if you can manage to fit it in as a day hike or snag a permit, you will be blown away by the pure beauty of this area.
The trail starts at the same trailhead as Colchuck Lake, passes the lake and heads up the difficult Aasgard Pass.
You’ll then enter the Core Zone of the Enchantments, where mountain goats roam, alpine lakes lie, and mountains soar.
Although this trail isn’t meant to be taken lightly and requires a whole lot of planning, in the end, you’ll have had one of the most epic experiences ever!
10. Heather Lake
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Sitting at the base of Mount Pilchuck, you’ll find a small body of water named Heather Lake.
A fairly challenging hike through the woods of an old-growth forest will lead you to an opening in the trees, where you’ll the beautiful lake.
In the fall, the leaves and trees surrounding the water turn beautiful shades of red and orange, which then reflect into the lake.
I’m always on the hunt for easier hikes that lead me to fantastic views without having to climb thousands of feet, and this is just that.
This is a nice hike to bring little ones who are getting their feet wet with hiking, as it’s challenging, but is still very doable for most.
11. Lake Ingalls
Distance: 8.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Aside from Mount Storm King, one of my all-time favorite hikes that I’ve ever done is the hike to Lake Ingalls.
There is no shortage of views for the entirety of this hike, as you’re nestled deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington.
The hike is mostly uphill, until you reach Ingalls Pass, which then opens up and greets you with your first view of Mount Stuart.
You’ll continue along the ridge and eventually will come to the bright blue Lake Ingalls.
This hike is best done in the late spring and early summer, as snow shuts the trailhead down, but if I were to give you a recommendation, go when there’s some snow left.
Melting snow on the lake is what gives Lake Ingalls that magical blue color that you see in the photo above.
During other times of the year, it’s still beautiful, but I’m partial to it in the snow! Fall is also a magnificent time to visit, as you’ll get to see the larches turn golden!
12. Snow Lakes
Distance: 15.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
While Colchuck Lake is the start to The Enchantments, Snow Lake is on the other end and will finish off your Alpine Lakes Wilderness experience!
So while you can add this hike together and make it one long Enchantments thru-hike, you can also just hike to Snow Lakes.
This hike is fairly long, but it leads you past 3 incredible alpine lakes in Washington that are all worth visiting!
Nada Lake is the first body of water that you’ll pass, and then Lower Snow Lake, followed by Upper Snow Lake.
The trail also leads you all the way to the opposite side of Upper Snow Lake, so you can cut off some distance if you’d rather not hike around the large lake.
13. Blue Lake
Distance: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Nestled in the North Cascades Mountain range in Washington State, Blue Lake is a nice trail to check out if you’re near North Cascades National Park on the Mountain Loop Highway.
Take a nice walk through the trees, and be sure to look around you, as there are gorgeous views everywhere.
You’ll eventually reach a small lake, tucked down under a few towering peaks.
It won’t take you very long to figure out why this particular lake has been given the name, “Blue Lake.”
The sparkling water truly speaks for itself and with the mountains as a backdrop, it really can’t get much better than this!
14. Naches Peak Loop (Tipsoo Lake)
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 636 feet
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
This beautiful loop trail leads you past the lake before you even start!
Tipsoo Lake is found just steps from the parking lot for the Naches Peak trail, so if you’d prefer not to hike very far, you really don’t need to.
My favorite part of Tipsoo Lake is that you can see Mount Rainier peaking out behind it, which makes it even more special.
It’s particularly gorgeous at sunrise or sunset when the colors fill the sky and set in over the lake.
But if you are up for a bit more hiking, you can head out on the Naches Peak Loop and get even better views of Mount Rainier.
In the summertime, this trail is flooded with wildflowers on all sides, and it feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
15. Rattlesnake Ledge (Rattlesnake Lake)
Distance: 5.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Location: Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area
Pass Required: None
If you’re looking for one of the best lake hikes near Seattle, then look no further than the classic Rattlesnake Ledge hike.
This moderately challenging hike starts at the base of the lake and leads you up a mountainside to a beautiful overlook.
From the rocky overlook, you’ll be able to see down into the bright blue Rattlesnake Lake, which is where you started!
In fact, you may even be able to spot your car in the parking lot from the overlook!
There are 3 ledges, each with a different viewpoint, and the first one is always the busiest.
Head just a bit further up the trail and you’ll get a new perspective of the lake as well as a more isolated spot to rest!
Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the best hikes to do in the winter, as you won’t find as much snow on the trail as you will on others.
Can You Swim in Lakes in Washington?
Yes, most Washington lakes are able to swim in, and many people enjoy using them as a way to cool off after a long hike.
You’ll see many photos of people swimming in popular lakes such as Colchuck Lake, Lake 22, and Lake Serene.
When swimming in alpine lakes, it’s important to remember that they are cold year-round, and that can induce shock in your body.
Never swim alone, bring a towel to dry off, and go in slowly.
Tips for Hiking in Washington
- Arrive early, as these trails are popular and are known for having parking lots that fill quicky.
- Always bring your valuables with you when hiking, as break-ins are common at trailheads.
- Pack warm clothes as weather can be unpredictable in the mountains any time of year.
- Have the right pass for each trailhead, whether that be the Discover, Northwest Forest, or America the Beautiful.
- Keep an eye on the weather, as I stated above, weather can change in an instant, so you should always be prepared.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles everywhere you go.
- Always wear sunscreen when in high elevations because it’s very easy to get burnt.
FAQs
Can you swim in Lake 22?
Yes, many people swim in Lake 22 once they’ve reached the lake.
It’s a nice, refreshing way to cool off after that long hike!
But just be cautious, as it is an alpine lake that is very cold year-round, even in the middle of summer!
What is the best hike in Washington?
This is a really tough question to answer, as Washington is filled with beautiful hikes.
But if I were to choose one of the trails on this list, I would say that my personal favorite hike is Lake Ingalls.
It’s less crowded than others, has magnificently colored water, and has views for the entire hike!
Wrap-Up: Washington Hikes With Lakes
The Pacific Northwest is filled with incredible hikes that will present you with some of the most magical views you’ve ever seen.
From waterfalls to towering granite peaks to magical alpine lakes, Washington has got it all covered!
I hope that this list of the best Washington hikes with lakes was able to help you find some of the best trails to get out and explore.
