Pacific Northwest Glacier Lakes

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Washington is home to over 8,000 lakes. Thanks to glacier melt, snow melt, and a complex and seemingly endless network of freezing-and-thawing underground lava tubes, that number is constantly changing. Naturally, this list below is far from exhaustive, but all of these are somewhat easily accessible via hiking trail and suitable for either day hike or overnight trip. 

Lake 22
5.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1350 ft.
Highest Point: 2400 ft.
Lake 22 is one of the best hikes featuring stunning alpine lake, located near Granite Falls. There is a trail that takes you round the lake and is worth exploring. 
 
Heather Lake
4.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1034 ft.
Highest Point: 2430 ft.
Heather Lake is located in in Mt. Pilchuck State Park, near Lake 22. Both Heather Lake and Lake 22 are very popular hikes and tend to be very busy on summer weekends.
 
Lake Serene
8.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2000 ft.
Highest Point: 2521 ft.
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls are another very popular hiking destination. Trail first offers opportunity to explore the falls bit closer, then quickly become very steep as you gradually climb to this beautiful alpine lake.
 
Colchuck Lake
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2280 ft.
Highest Point: 5580 ft.
Scenic alpine lake beneath Dragontail & Colchuck peaks, reached by an 8-mile out-&-back hike. Very popular on sunny weekends. This is also a start of popular Enchantments thru hike.
 
Goat Lake
10.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1400 ft.
Highest Point: 3161 ft.
Goat Lake is a glacial lake located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Fairly easy hike to beautiful alpine lake, very popular due to several backpacking sites near the lake.
 
Snow & Gem Lakes
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1800 ft.
Highest Point: 4857 ft.
Snow Lake is located near Snoqualmie Pass. The lake is the “most visited lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.” Short hike after reaching Snow Lake, the Gem Lake awaits. Some prime camping spots are located near this lake. Gem Lake is nestled at the foot of Wright Mountain, which is also trip worthy. 
 
Rampart Lakes
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2200 ft.
Highest Point: 5100 ft.
Rampart Lakes is a pretty collection of pothole lakes with a maze of social trails lacing them together.
The lakes can be reached either via Rachel Lake if you like it easy, or take longer way via Lake Lillian and Rampart Ridge. This trail is often referred as the back way to Rampart Lakes. When backpacking, consider side trips to Lila Lake and Alta Mountain.
 
Blanca Lake
7.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3300 ft.
Highest Point: 4600 ft.
Blanca Lake is located in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Area in the Cascade Mountains. Blanca Lake sits in a basin surrounded by the peaks of Monte Cristo and is know for its turquoise green color. The glacier’s chilly, silt-filled melt-water creates the lake’s bright turquoise green color.
 
Lake Ingalls
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2500 ft.
Highest Point: 6500 ft.
Lake Ingalls is a glacial lake located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The lake is a popular area for hiking and offers excellent views of nearby Mount Stuart. It is a stunning blue lake, with the mountain looming behind it. Nearby Esmeralda Basin offers stunning views of the peaks nearby. 
 
Minotaur and Theseus Lakes
3.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1905 ft.
Highest Point: 5580 ft.
Minotaur and Theseus Lakes are relatively obscure and require steep climb but the lakes are both stunning. Located again in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. For another great side trip, Labyrinth Mountain is worth the hike.
 
Summit Lake
6.1 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1300 ft.
Highest Point: 5800 ft.
Summit Lake is a freshwater lake located in the northwest corner in the southwestern county, Thurston County. The lake is located close to Mt. Rainier National Park. Stunning views of the Mountain and surrounding area makes for a rewarding trip, either doable in a day or overnight. There are several campsites available around Summit Lake, offering up more exploration opportunities on the nearby Carbon River and Bearhead Mountain Trails.
 
Ancient Lakes
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 625 ft.
Highest Point: 1200 ft.
Ancient Lakes is a desert oasis in eastern Washington near Quincy, that makes for an easy day trip or beginner backpack trip. Accessible either via Upper Trailhead – Judith Pool trail or Lower Trailhead. Great hike during fall and winter months.
 
 
 

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