HIGH CAMP - A Community in the Wilderness

The story of Alpine Lakes High Camp spans decades of remote mountaineering, land conservation, and generations of guests embracing the unique energy of this special backcountry property alongside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. It's history is rich with laughs, challenges, and rare outdoor experiences. The number of people who have helped to shape and improve it over the years is simply impossible to list. To all of those who have been a part of the journey - Thank You!

Bill & Peg STark

This renowned Leavenworth couple first founded "Nomad Camp" in 1978 with the goal of introducing people to the Alpine Lakes area they loved. Bill and Peg made their initial visit to the Enchantments in 1959, which at the time was an unknown area of the Cascades and the lack of trails meant they had to bushwack their way in. Over the years, they camped in the area more than 100 times by their own estimate. The Stark's legacy will live on in many of the names of the peaks, ridges, lakes, and other geological features of the Enchantments and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which they helped create in the 1970s and further expanded later.

The Starks not only created a legacy with the foundation of the Enchantments and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but they also introduced hundreds of people to the region through the camp, which they ran for more than 15 years. Their favorite time of year was the first week in October "when vine maple turns red, the alpine larch spins gold, and the air becomes a crisp memory of summer."

When not at High Camp, Bill and Peg could be seen nearly every day walking arm in arm through Leavenworth, not far from the enchanted high country they loved so much.

Steigmeyer, Rick. "A Legacy of Names." The Wenatchee World 15 Sep. 2006: Print

Don & Chris Hanson

Don and Chris became the next stewards of Scottish Lakes High Camp in 1994 and championed the growth of cabins and operations of this unique backcountry business. Over the next 23 years, they introduced multiple generations to the splendor of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, just a short hike from camp. Over time, they created an incredible extended family of dedicated friends and guests.

Whether it was through maintenance assistance, woodcutting parties, or just simple appreciation of the space - everyone brought something special to High Camp. This community was hit hard by the loss of Don, who passed in the backcountry while in the midst of his constant effort to improve camp and the surrounding trails. Their inspiring work created a unique wilderness property that can be seen through just about everything at High Camp! Generations of guests reminisce on the care and thoughtfulness the Hanson's brought to each interaction in the wilderness area they loved so much.

Justin & Austin Donohue

Justin and Austin became the current stewards of High Camp in 2017 and have infused a new energy to the business and it’s operations ever since! From acquiring land, to updating systems, to adding catskiing, to revamping all equipment/vehicle fleet - they have poured in time and effort to modernize this legacy business! Their dedication to outdoor recreation and the rejuvenating impact of nature shows in their focus to set up High Camp for future success.

Directions to Parking Lot

Alpine Lakes High Camp is an easy two to three hour drive from most Puget Sound locations. Our parking lot is located just off U.S. Highway 2 at the junction of Coulter Creek Rd and High Mountain Meadows Rd, approximately 17 miles east of Stevens Pass (just west of milepost 82). You’ll find us on the south side of the highway, directly across from Nason Creek Rest Area. Map included below for reference.

17375 High Mountain Meadows Rd, Leavenworth WA, 98826

Remember to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to departure. Please update us if you are running late, support@alpinelakeshighcamp.com.

From Seattle

Drive to Monroe, WA located on Highway 2, either on State Route 522 from the Bothell/Interstate 405 area, or on Highway 2 from the Interstate 5 Everett/Marysville area. From Monroe, drive east on Highway 2 over Stevens Pass. Our parking lot is on the south side of the highway approximately 17 miles from Stevens Pass.

Or…

Take Interstate 5 to Interstate 90 East.
Take Exit 85 onto State Route 970 towards Wenatchee for 11.9 miles to US 97.
Follow 97 north over Blewett Pass for 35 miles to the junction of Highway 2.
Turn left and travel west on Highway 2 for about 22 miles to our parking lot.

Arriving by Plane or Train?

If you are coming to Alpine Lakes High Camp from a distant area of the US, abroad, or just don't want to drive from your location in the Pacific Northwest - arriving by plane into nearby Wenatchee Pangborn Airport or by Amtrak into Leavenworth are both great options. There are multiple shuttle companies that can drop you off at the Alpine Lakes High Camp parking lot.

No matter the season, there's activities galore in the mountains. Alpine Lakes High Camp is your gateway to abundant outdoor fun, no matter what your preferred recreation might be. Whether there's snow or dirt trails or fall foliage, we can guarantee you won't be bored. 

backcountry and cross-country skiing

Ski out the backdoor! Alpine Lakes High Camp sits at the hub of an elaborate network of un-groomed trails and access to tens of thousands of acres of backcountry skiing!

These highly scenic and well-marked trails offer a great variety of beginning, intermediate and advanced terrain, including off-trail slopes ideal for telemarking. Creating loop trips of differing lengths and ability levels is easy! Color, topographical maps of our trail system are provided to all guests.

Backcountry snowboarding/skiing is another winter activity that has greatly grown in popularity in recent years. Slopes immediately around Alpine Lakes High Camp range from gentle to challenging. Two well-marked routes lead backcountry skiers and snowboarders to the more challenging slopes of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Advanced skiers can either tackle the all day tour into the High Meadows with a maximum elevation of 7,300 feet, or enjoy the very popular half-day loop down through the open glades of McCue Ridge.

Skiing down to the parking lot at the end of a visit is another popular pastime at Alpine Lakes High Camp. Three different routes down the mountain work well for skiers of all ability levels. Skiing the 8.5 mile road down is always an option. With only one short uphill, it's a great  and LONG last run!

snowshoeing, Fat tire biking, + Sledding

Even if you're not a skier or your body needs a break from hitting the slopes, there's a plethora of terrain to explore from Alpine Lakes High Camp.

Snowshoeing is becoming an increasingly popular activity at Alpine Lakes High Camp. The numerous scenic viewpoints in the region make great destinations for winter hikes on snowshoes, while providing a relaxing escape into the winter wonderland.

Fat Tire biking is another great option with an expanse of existing trails in place!

Sledding is also a common pastime around camp for kids (and adults) of all ages! Naturally located along a slight slope, you don't even need to leave camp to experience the snow.  Here you can find gentle child friendly slopes to more thrilling hills for the adventurous. 

Spring skiing, fat tire biking, + exploring

Not ready to put the ski gear away? After other ski resorts have closed for the season, there's often still excellent spring skiing to be found at Alpine Lakes High Camp. Imagine being on skis in a tanktop enjoying a cold beer at the top of the trail - it doesn't get better than that! 

Due to Alpine Lakes High Camp's high altitude and location in the mountains, the seasons can be unpredictable. However, no matter the conditions, there's always a way to enjoy the terrain, especially when the first wildflowers of the season start to pop up and the creek comes back to life. 

hiking + MOUNTAIN BIKING

The clear, sunny Indian summer weather makes just being at Alpine Lakes High Camp a pleasure. Take a nap in the hammock, play a game of horseshoes, feed the birds, walk up the hill to pick a handful of huckleberries or sit around the campfire telling stories and counting shooting stars.

However, if you're looking for some exercise, there are eight distinctively different hikes, varying in length from 2 to 11 miles, that lead directly from Alpine Lakes High Camp to several rewarding destinations. Six of the hikes lead the backcountry traveler into spectacular scenery of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Fishing is excellent in all of the lakes in the region, and due to the proximity of alpine lakes, an inflatable paddleboard is never a bad option as well. Wilderness permits are available for hikers in the day lodge at Alpine Lakes High Camp.

• Sunset Meadow and Nature Trail – 1.5 miles round trip

• Inspiration Lookout and Stegosaurus Rock – 2 miles round trip

• McCue Ridge – 3.5 miles

• Lake Julius and Loch Eileen – 6 miles round trip

• Chiwaukum Lake – 6 miles round trip

• Lake Donald and The High Meadows – 8 miles round trip

• Lake Ethel – 9 miles round trip

• Larch Lake – 10 miles round trip

• McWaukum Scramble – 10 miles round trip

mountain biking

This is a whole new way to experience the epic scenery surrounding Alpine Lakes High Camp! With two main trails our network is small, but mighty! Old Julius is an Intermediate-Advanced descent trail that starts at the top of McCue Ridge and winds its way 4,500’ down to our guest parking lot - making it one of the longer descent trails in Washington. We’ve also recently finished a Loop Trail that utilizes the upper part of Old Julius trail, but routes back to McCue Ridge - allowing you arrive back at your cabin at the end of your ride! There’s also a myriad of old logging roads for Beginner mountain bikers and kids. Truly something for everyone!

mountain biking + hiking

Trail season isn't over yet - there's just a picturesque change of landscape and scenery as the autumn colors emerge. Wildflowers still abound in late August and early September along with the warm weather. Brilliant fall colors begin their month-long display in mid-September and the dramatic changing of the larch trees begins in early October. Wilderness permits are available for hikers in the day lodge at Alpine Lakes High Camp.