This is a part two follow-up to my post Washington State Hiking and Mountaineering Challenges, where I listed 9 Washington State Peak Lists to consider as fun outdoor challenges. This post is dedicated to the lake challenges, perfect for summer!
I love hiking challenges! I find them a fun, motivating way to explore new areas. Granted, I don’t need much motivation to get out and I’m sure most of you don’t either, but there’s something extra special to me about checking off a list. If you don’t find yourself a typical “peakbagger”, here are some great Washington State lake hiking challenges that are perfect for summer. I’ve also provided links to the relevant WTA trip report pages that offer additional trail information.
The awesome thing about hiking to lakes? They’re a great destination when higher peaks are snowed in or the weather isn’t optimal and in the summer there’s nothing better than taking an alpine lake plunge.
The Olympia branch of the Mountaineers offers several different awards for the completion of the following lake lists, one award for completing 12 of the 15 in each area. Be sure to check their site for more information on the rules and how to receive your awards.
Happy hiking!
Alpine Lakes
| Lake | Green Trails Map # |
| Alaska Lake | 207 |
| Angeline Lake | 175, 176 |
| Lake Caroline | 209S |
| Ethel | 145, 177 |
| Gallagher | 209 |
| Ingalls | 209 |
| Jade | 175, 176 |
| Josephine | 176 |
| Larch (Chiwaukum) | 177, 178 |
| Malachite | 175, 176 |
| Spectacle | 207, 208 |
| Surprise | 176 |
| Susan Jane | 176 |
| Tuck | 176 |
| Turquoise | 176, 177 |
Beautiful Blanca Lake in the North CascadesNorth Cascades Lakes
| Lake | Green Trails Map # |
| Blanca | 143 |
| Boulder | 143 |
| Crystal | 111 |
| Cutthroat | 110, 142 |
| Goat | 111 |
| Greider | 142 |
| Heather | 144 |
| Merritt | 145 |
| Minotaur | 144 |
| North | 110 |
| Peek a Boo | 111 |
| Round | 111 |
| Silver | 143 |
| Twin | 143 |
| Valhalla | 144 |
Olympic Lakes
| Lake | Green Trails Map # |
| Black/White | 167 |
| Buckhorn | 136 |
| Constance | 136, 168 |
| Deer | 133, 134 |
| Elk (Hoh River) | 133, 134 |
| Flapjack | 167 |
| Grand | 135 |
| Hart | 166, 167 |
| Hoh | 133, 134 |
| Marmot | 166, 167 |
| Mildred | 167 |
| Moose | 135 |
| Royal | 136 |
| Sundown | 166, 167, 199 |
| Upper Lena | 168 |
South Cascades Lakes
| Lake | Green Trails Map # |
| Badger | 333 |
| Blankenship | 303 |
| Cultus | 365, 366 |
| Fish | 271, 303 |
| Goat | 269 |
| Jug | 303 |
| Lily | 302 |
| Lost | 303 |
| Packwood | 302 |
| Pear, Apple | 303 |
| Penoyer | 303 |
| Sheep | 335 |
| Shoe | 303 |
| Twin Sisters | 271, 303 |
| Wapiki | 365, 366 |