if you're visiting or even living in Washington State, you can't miss these lakes.
picture lake in the Mount Baker area (pictured above)
a great option if you’re looking for hikes in Washington state is Picture Lake, nestled in the Mount Baker area of Washington State, is renowned for its stunning reflection of the surrounding landscape. The lake’s tranquil waters perfectly mirror the majestic Mount Shuksan, creating a postcard-perfect scene that draws photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Framed by lush alpine forests and often set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Picture Lake offers a serene escape into the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Its accessible location along the Mount Baker Scenic Byway makes it a popular spot for visitors seeking both breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. The lake’s surface is especially mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset, when the changing light casts a golden hue over the water, enhancing the already captivating scenery.
tipsoo lake in mount Rainer national park
Tipsoo Lake, located in Mount Rainier National Park, is a gem of the Pacific Northwest, celebrated for its picturesque beauty and tranquil ambiance. Perched at an elevation of about 4,300 feet, the lake offers stunning views of the towering Mount Rainier, which looms majestically in the distance. Surrounded by vibrant wildflower meadows in the summer and framed by lush evergreen forests, Tipsoo Lake provides a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. The lake’s clear waters often mirror the snow-capped peak of Rainier and the expansive sky above, creating a mesmerizing visual display. Easily accessible via a short hike from the nearby Tipsoo Lake Trailhead, the area is a favorite spot for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers who seek to immerse themselves in the serene splendor of this iconic national park.
chain lakes Washington
Chain Lakes, situated in the stunning Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, is a captivating destination renowned for its alpine beauty. This series of interconnected lakes, nestled in a rugged, mountainous terrain, offers a spectacular showcase of the region’s pristine wilderness. The lakes are set against a backdrop of towering peaks, including the imposing Mount Baker, and are surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests. The Chain Lakes Trail, a popular hiking route, provides access to these sparkling blue gems, guiding visitors through a landscape of dramatic vistas and serene waters. The area is particularly striking in the summer when wildflowers blanket the meadows and the lakes reflect the clear skies and surrounding peaks. The tranquil ambiance and stunning scenery make Chain Lakes a favorite spot for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in Washington’s natural splendor.
summit lake olympic nation park
Summit Lake, nestled in the heart of Washington’s Olympic National Park, is a serene alpine oasis renowned for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil setting. Located at an elevation of about 3,200 feet, the lake is encircled by dense forests and rugged mountain terrain, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Its clear, reflective waters perfectly mirror the sky and the lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors. The area around Summit Lake is a popular destination for hikers, who can access it via the Summit Lake Trail, which offers a moderately challenging route with rewarding vistas along the way. Whether it’s for a peaceful day of fishing, a relaxing afternoon by the shore, or simply taking in the stunning natural surroundings, Summit Lake provides a perfect escape into the pristine wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula.
if you are looking for hike details including things like difficulty, entry passes, and directions. the Washington trails association is a great resource.
More hikes in washington state... Tolmie peak mount rainer national park
Tolmie Peak, located in Mount Rainier National Park, offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in the Pacific Northwest. Standing at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, this peak provides an exhilarating vantage point over the surrounding landscape, including a sweeping view of Mount Rainier’s majestic summit and the rugged, glaciated terrain of the park. The hike to Tolmie Peak, accessible via the Tolmie Peak Trail, is a rewarding journey that traverses lush forests, wildflower meadows, and rocky outcrops, culminating in a breathtaking summit experience. The trailhead begins at Mowich Lake, where hikers are greeted by serene lake views and vibrant alpine flora. The hike is known for its relatively moderate difficulty, making the awe-inspiring vistas at the top an attainable reward for those who venture into this pristine corner of Washington’s wilderness.
skyline in mount Rainer national park
The Skyline Trail, situated in Mount Rainier National Park, is renowned for its awe-inspiring panoramic views and varied alpine landscapes. This iconic hike, which loops around the majestic Mount Rainier, offers trekkers an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking vistas of glaciers, meadows, and rugged peaks. Spanning approximately 5.5 miles, the trail ascends through lush subalpine forests, expansive wildflower meadows, and rocky outcrops, providing dramatic viewpoints at every turn. Hikers are treated to a close-up view of the mountain’s massive glaciers, while the surrounding scenery showcases the diverse beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The Skyline Trail’s elevation gains are well worth the effort, leading to a summit where visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. This hike is a favorite for those seeking an immersive adventure in one of Washington’s most stunning natural landscapes.
colchuck lake in the enchantments of Washington's cascades
Colchuck Lake, nestled in the Enchantments of Washington’s Cascade Range, is a striking alpine destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by rugged granite peaks and lush evergreen forests, the lake’s clear, turquoise waters create a vivid contrast against the surrounding mountainous landscape. Accessible via a challenging 8-mile hike, the trail to Colchuck Lake offers hikers an exhilarating journey through scenic meadows and forested terrain, culminating in a breathtaking view of the lake framed by towering cliffs and the majestic Dragontail Peak. The lake’s pristine waters and dramatic backdrop make it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a serene escape into the heart of the Cascades. Colchuck Lake’s tranquil setting and awe-inspiring views provide a quintessential example of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged and unspoiled wilderness.
cascade pass located in the north cascades national park
The Cascade Pass hike, situated in North Cascades National Park, is a celebrated trek that offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington. Spanning approximately 7.4 miles round trip, the trail ascends through diverse terrain, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges. Hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys as they approach the pass. The trail’s ascent to Cascade Pass is moderate, making it accessible for many outdoor enthusiasts, though the elevation gain provides a satisfying challenge. At the top, the breathtaking vistas reveal the grandeur of the North Cascades, including the impressive views of the Sahale Glacier and the rugged, snow-capped mountains that define this remote region. The hike to Cascade Pass is not only a journey through varied and beautiful landscapes but also an opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness and stunning natural beauty of one of Washington’s most spectacular national parks.
maple pass in the north cascades of washington
The Maple Pass hike, located in the North Cascades of Washington, is another fantastic option for hikes in Washington state. It’s renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and rewarding vistas. This approximately 7.6-mile loop trail offers hikers a diverse and breathtaking journey through subalpine forests, vibrant meadows, and along rugged ridgelines. As the trail ascends, it provides spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expansive valleys. The highlight of the hike is the panoramic view from Maple Pass, where hikers can take in a sweeping vista of the North Cascades’ rugged terrain, including the pristine Blue Lake and the impressive peaks that frame the horizon. The trail’s varying elevation and changing landscapes create a dynamic and memorable hiking experience, making the Maple Pass hike a favorite among those seeking an immersive adventure in Washington’s spectacular wilderness
