Secret Hiking Gem in Central Cascades

If you are searching for the ideal hiking adventure, look no further. I have the perfect spot for you!

Tucked away in the Central Cascades of Washington, about 15 miles west of Leavenworth, WA you will find the parking lot for High Alpine Lakes Camp. Yes, you will need to make reservations in advance, both for the cabins and the transportation (usually two times per day to catch a ride up to the cabins). No, it isn’t cheap or free, but the benefits for both the trip up and the stay in the cabins is worth it.

Perfect times to be there are mid Summer for wild flowers or late fall for fall colors (including fantastic golden yellows of larch tree). I have been up both mid-summer and fall (too early for all of fall colors, but still very pretty).

So why go here?

1. Getting a hiking/camping permit to the Enchantments is ridiculously hard to do.

If you are an avid hiker in the NW, you have probably tried your luck at the “lottery” for a hiking permit in the elusive Enchantments. Many, like me, give up after a few year’s trying as it is impossible to get a pass on-line. You have a better chance in the State lottery for winning a $1M dollars. So, as an excellent option, try the Alpine Lakes High Camp. Similar area, less people, no packing in your gear (leave it at the cabins), what could be better?

2. The Alpine Lakes High Camp is remote, so you won’t be bothered by hordes of other hikers.

Yep, no over-crowded trail here, my friend. Only the sound of nature to disturb your thoughts. Even if every cabin is filled up at the camp sight (six cabins total) you are unlikely to see anyone else unless you all start at the same time and head in the same direction. Not likely. You have wilderness areas (note: trails aren’t repaired if trees fall down, that’s the rule), parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, and much more to choose from. And the owners of the camp are all about keeping the area remote. No, you can’t pay for the transportation only, just to get to the camp.

3. You camp in A-frames with many of the comforts of home, and don’t have to pack your gear up and down the mountain.

A-frames hold from two to six people. Cozy, but doable. No bathrooms (only outhouses), but you do have shelter, a bunk with a mattress, and gas for lights and stoves. You can haul up food and gear and leave it in your cabin, so you can avoid eating freeze dried turds and have a real meal (beer, too!)

4. This is easily one of the most beautiful areas to hike in all of the Western US, and the trails are well maintained and well marked.

If you want a hiking experience without having to haul your gear miles and miles, this is it. The ride up from the parking lot is about eight miles, and drops you off at the cabins at 4,900 feet. Not a bad start for hiking.

5. You can pick from a variety of High Alpine Lakes to visit on your hikes, and do it with a day pack.

Yep, lots of options to choose from. Hike along McCue Ridge, head towards Chiwaukum Lake, Jason Lakes, Lake Julius, Lake Donald, or Larch Lake. The valley between Chiwaukum Lake and Lake Julius has some of the best views of wild flowers and peaks; the hike to the McCue ridge has the best vistas.