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!