lakes and the West Fork below include Malachite Falls Copper Lake Falls and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Copper Falls All these waterfalls are on a watercourse . The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. West Fork Foss River and Lakes; Trout Lake; Arrived Trout lake-Foss lakes trailhead at dusk Friday evening. The West Fork Foss River Trail reaches deep into the highest concentration of lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness between Highway 2 and I-90. Should be fine if in shape. At a Y-junction at 3.5 miles stay right, passing another trailhead parking lot at 4.2 miles. Continue climbing for another mile to Trout Lake. 16 days ago. Even though the falls are visible from almost a miles length of trail, the only way to see the entire falls unobstructed is to bushwhack to it's base. Today was a perfect day for a hike the trail is in great condition the sun was out the three Lakes were just be beautiful and the waterfall is gorgeous. Southfork Mountain in the background. We bushwhacked up the valley to Delta spent the night, we were the only ones down there. Lots of backpacking camps set up. Five beautiful lakes for the alpine lake enthusiast. At no point along the trail could I find a place where the bottom 75 - 100 feet of the fall from Copper Lake isn't hidden by … DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. Xoxo. The last .2 mile to Malachite was esp difficult for us (we are 50 and 56 yo) but the 2 hours spent swimming, reading and lounging at this absolutely gorgeous lake made the effort worth it. West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 9.3 mile hiking trail in Washington. The last half mile was steep to Malachite. Overall there were steady levels and I believe about 11 switchbacks. Very rocky and narrow path. Will not show on comments list. Can’t wait to do it in the Fall. Beautiful day for a long, strenuous hike. Necklace Valley Trail. We saw a total of 6 parties after Trout Lake (maybe 10 people), most of which were backpacking. Thankfully another backpacker drove by pretty quickly and kindly gave us a lift. We left Portland after work on Friday, arriving at the Necklace Valley trailhead around midnight. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest | Skykomish Ranger District 74920 NE Stevens Pass Hwy | PO Box 305 Skykomish, WA 98288 360.677.2414. A short, steep spur breaks .2 miles west to Lake Malachite (3,990’). 10. Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. This cliff drops thousands of feet into the basin of the West Fork, forming two sets of five waterfalls total. Totally loved it. However I would highly suggest brining hiking poles with as the snow makes the upper part of the trail to the lake very slick. Took us 5:15 min car door to door, was 9.72 miles total to get to Copper Lake, and was an elevation gain of 3,993 feet (on the Apple Watch). share Share . (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. Continue straight on 68 where the pavement ends at 1.2 miles. An overnight Wilderness Permit must be filled out at the TH and carried to camp at Copper or Big Heart Lakes. Lake Fork Trail features scenic views to complement this amazing hike close to nature and wildlife. Eventually you'll get above the cascade and come to a trail fork where a weathered sign indicates the way to Lake Malachite. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Length 3.0 miElevation gain 534 ftRoute type Out & back There are only a few campsites here, but there was a … This is a easy one way trail in Alpine Lakes Wilderness. West Fork Foss Lakes Trail 1064 Enter Alpine Lakes Wilderness and climb gently for 1.5 miles to Trout Lake, where the trail becomes increasingly difficult, gaining nearly 2,000 feet in two miles. It’s a great time of year to do it. EASY 2.2 mi. Lake Malachite and Copper Lake lie in close proximity off the main trail artery, 4.95 miles and 5.1 miles from the trailhead (respectively). The rain started immediately, so we slept in the car to get a dry start Saturday. It was Otter that has the 'rock oven' I think. 8. Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Mount Defiance - Bandera Mountain - Mason Lake, 1,500' – 3,780' (3,780' max elevation at Copper Lake), +2,280’ net elevation gain (+2,482’ total roundtrip elevation gain), "Well marked trail, but more difficult than we'd imagined, most likely due to it being yet another hot summer day (92 in the sun, 84 in the shade; yes, I had a thermometer w/ me!). Views open to Shoestring Falls and the rocky ridge of Malachite Peak as it winds past debris from a 2006 flood to a new footbridge over the river (.98 miles : 1,675’). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Lake Malachite and Copper Lake lie in close proximity off the main trail artery, 4.95 miles and 5.1 miles from the trailhead (respectively). EASY 1.3 mi. Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. Print Trail The trail heads off to the right, through trees to another clearing. The large log-dam and shore make a great resting place. Right next to the lake and even caught a fish! 20 mile hike in Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA along the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail in late June 2016. * = Southfork Shoulder. 4. And, no one else was there. EASY 2.8 mi. Trout Lake is the first one on the way and it introduces hikers to the beauty that are on their way. All in all this is a good hike and worth the effort. Rock Lake. I noticed light snow on the side of Highway 2 as I approached Index from the West. EASY 3.6 mi. Mount Sawyer via Tonga Ridge Trail. A permit is required for overnight camping. Trout lake had several campsites and families, but wasn't crowded by any means. Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, camping, and nature trips and is best used from May until November. Trout Lake is an ideal day or overnight destination for anglers, groups and families. A Northwest Forest Pass or $5 fee is required at this trailhead. Could be rough after a good rain (Spring/Fall) and melt off would be crazy I suspect. From the Malachite junction to Little Heart Lake is very nice trail, some steps, 3 blowdowns two of which are large. There are a series of waterfalls occurring on the cliff where Malachite Lake and Copper Lake 's outlet streams plunge down to meet the West Fork Foss River, in King County, Washington. Lake Fork Reservoir is a reservoir located in Wood, Rains, and Hopkins counties in the state of Texas, between the towns of Quitman, Alba, Emory, and Yantis, Texas. Comments, Email: [email protected] Sport | Commercial Licenses: 360.902.2434 Disability Licenses: 360.902.2460. Poles are helpful for the rocky patches. The main trail keeps straight across an outlet creek on flat stones to the north end of Copper Lake (5.1 miles: 3.780’). Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail . From Highway 2 (Stevens Pass Highway), turn south on Foss River Road, 1.9 miles east of Skykomish. West Fork Foss Lakes. The Foss Lakes are in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness off Highway 2, just past Skykomish. The pull-out from the highway leads down to here. Pack out all garbage. The trail switchbacks along the creek through open areas of fireweed and vine maple to Malachite Falls at the headwall below Malachite and Copper lakes. fs.usda.gov; Hiking Trails (6) 1. EASY 2.5 mi. However, there is not a lot of up and down. It is a brutal muscle-straining and sweat-inducing 0.1 hike straight up steep boulders, but the lake is worth it. Lots of wildflowers surrounded us and many butterflies encouraged us on our trek. Travel moderates after crossing a creek at 4.2 miles and passes through yellow cedar and mountain hemlock to the Lake Malachite junction (4.75 miles : 3.751’). From the trailhead, the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail #1064 enters a mixed forest. Camping is allowed anywhere in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness more than 100 feet from any trail or lake. Whatever your goal for today, don't rule out a side trip to Lake Malachite. link Copy Link. The trail up to the Malachite junction is rocky and brushy and there are a lot of blowdowns. Last half mile to Malachite would have been much more enjoyable had there been an escalator. 3. Just before a bridge, at 4.7 miles, turn left on 6835 (sign is easy to miss) and continue 1.9 miles to West Fork parking lot and trailhead. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information. The trail is a bit steep, so poles are definitely recommended. Pretty buggy up at Malchite Lake. Beautiful trip to Big Heart Lake spread out over a three day weekend Amazing hike wanted to come back in the summer, to much snow on road had stop 3miles from trailhead the trail was nice hard snow easy to walk it took me 1hr to get to trailhead. There’s 4-5 different snow melt water falls falling off the mountains off to your right as you start up the trail. This is the 2nd clearing and the road forks. Wasn't too busy on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The trail to Big Heart Lake is strenuous but very clear and only 3 blowdowns. Beautiful but definitely should be rated hard. But it is definitely rewarding and worth it. The first lake is Barnaby Lake, the next two are the Southfork Lakes. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Little Chetwoot Lake via Chetwoot Lake Trail . 6. Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Lake Malachite is a 9.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Intense like everyone has mentioned. [Lake Fork Campground. You'll come to beautiful Copper Lake shortly thereafter. 5. Malachite Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. I wore my Teva sandals they were perfect shoes for today and I took a swim in the lake The trail heads in the opposite direction of West Fork Foss Trail #1064, and very quickly begins to climb up towards Malachite Lake. This spectacular waterfall is formed when the outlets of Copper Lake and Malachite Lake break into a valley and horsetail side-by-side hundreds of feet down the headwall. It was impounded by the Lake Fork Dam in 1980, and reached its normal pool surface elevation of 403.0 feet (123 m) above mean sea level in 1985. Trip Reports Copper Lake & Lake Malachite, Trail Map, West Fork Foss Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington Copper Lake & Lake Malachite - 10.2 Miles Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades Stretch before you start the climb! Big Heart Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 13.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Add your article. Plenty of forest coverage so good for sunny or overcast. No water is available on this section of the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Nice trail, a couple large downed trees to limbo under. West Fork Foss Trail #1064 ... Near the top of the switchbacks, the trail will re-enter the forest, passing a short trail intersection to Malachite Lake. Camp only at established campsites within 1/2-mile of the following locations: Big Heart Lake, Copper Lake, Lake Dorothy, Little Heart Lake, Malachite Lake, Surprise Lake and Trout Lake. From here, the trail becomes steeper and rockier. Other than that obstacle and snow free. Big Heart Falls via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. Home Landforms by first-level administrative country subdivision Landforms of the United States by state Waterfalls of the United States by state Waterfalls of Washington (state) Malachite Falls. We arrived in time as the sun dipped behind the mountains and … Saturday dawned looking as if slight clearing might be the order of the day, not rain. Really nice out and back featuring a few lakes and some really great overlook spots. Near the top of the switchbacks, the trail will re-enter the forest, passing a short trail intersection to Malachite Lake. Lake Malachite Trail is a 1,164 foot trail in Washington. Visit one for an easy day hike or visit them all as a more rigorous one day outing or weekend backpack. DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. Once over the trail rises gently among towering hemlock and cedar to Trout Lake (1.85 miles : 1,920’). The trail enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and joins the West Fork Foss at.4 miles. It crosses under some granite crags and fords a stream at 4.0 miles (3,305’). Below Malachite Falls My plan was to get as far up the West Fork trail until I reached challenging conditions or my turnaround time. Parking Fee waived due to COVID. Getting There. I highly recommend this hike but not for little kids or little dogs it’s pretty strenuous unless you don’t mind carrying them on the way down. Thunder and lightning was spectacular, not too close but plenty loud. Resources. It can be accessed by foot. Fairly steep and great views. Copper Lake sits among cliffs, meadows and talus slopes. The trail arcs west past Trout Lake along Copper Creek to Upper Copper Falls (2.4 miles: 2,264’), then begins a 2 mile climb on switchbacks toward the bench holding Malachite and Copper Lakes. The large log-dam and shore make a great resting place. The lakes are ideal destinations for day hikers, with great camping options at each for staging longer trips through this highlight-rich valley: The trail enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and joins the West Fork Foss at .4 miles. 7. BTW, went on to Little Heart and stopped recording due to off route warnings (tertiary GPS, so I forgot to update route). Day two we headed up the valley to Otter Lake, Angeline Lake then spent another night at Big Heart. Trout Lake and Copper Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 8.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. EASY 2.5 mi. This trail goes by Trout Lake. You'll come to beautiful Copper Lake shortly thereafter. based on 9 tracks & routes | | EASY #347 hike out of 716 in Alpine Lakes Wilderness | EASY. Photo: nps.gov] Lake Fork Trail is a beautiful and gentle trail that winds alongside Lake Fork Creek, a lovely tributary of the mighty South Platte River. Malachite Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 7.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Some kids were swimming in Trout Lake. There are only a few campsites here, but there was a little pit toilet if you need it. The snow capped peaks add another level of beauty to the hike. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail moves forward through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains up to the lovely open meadows. Wished we had time to check out Copper, but it was a nice short overnight trip. The trail continues 2.9 miles to Big Heart Lake at the head of the valley. The parking lot holds 30 cars and has bathrooms. 2. At about 0.5 mile, hikers cross a bridge over the canyon that was carved by the flood of 2006. 9. Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. I arrived at the trailhead around 815AM. The top one says "No Camp Fires" and the bottom "Malachite Lake" with an arrow. Intense but rewarding hike. Beautiful views of Malachite Peak from copper lake- loved how remote and serene it was once you got to the top. Trail Map Gorgeous hike with beautiful views. EASY 1.3 mi. West Fork Foss Lakes (WA) Pete Lake (WA) Denny Creek Trail (WA) Grand Park via Lake Eleanor (WA) Anderson & Watson Lakes (WA) Yellow Aster Butte (WA) Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap (WA) Thornton Lakes Trail to Trappers Peak (WA) Abbott Ridge Trail (BC) Grinnell Glacier Trail (MT) Mineral Creek Trail to Spectacle Lake Overlook (WA) Lake Ann (WA) Hikes completed in 2018: Wallace Falls … Trail Photos Max group size is 12. Purvis, Panorama, and Rock Lakes would make excellent, secluded, and attractive camp locations. Length 9.5 miElevation gain 2673 ftRoute type Out & back In summary: a great/hard work out and a stunning, truly magnificent lake as a reward for your efforts. Overview. The West Fork Trailhead is located 6.6 miles from the Foss River Road turnoff on Highway 2 east of the town of Skykomish. It’s almost the perfect hike. Not a ton of shade after Trout Lake, so be prepared with sunscreen- and lots and lots of bug spray. Fantastic views! Drop down to the West Fork of the Foss River and start hiking up along it, generally on the west side of the river. At roughly a half-mile cross a sturdy bridge and continue climbing through deepening forest for another mile to Trout Lake. Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Length 8.3 miElevation gain 2,539 ftRoute type Out & back I'd do this hike again, but definitely bring a swim suit to take a refreshing dip! Leaving the car there, the next morning we set out farther down the road towards the West Fork Foss trailhead, around three miles away. ", N47 38.087 W121 18.234 — 0.0 miles: West Fork Trailhead - 1,500', N47 37.857 W121 18.529 — 0.4 miles: Trail joins West Fork Foss, N47 37.613 W121 18.665 — 0.8 miles: Trail winds past washout debris, N47 37.576 W121 18.790 — 1.0 miles: Bridge over West Fork, N47 37.567 W121 18.864 — 1.1 miles: Enter Old Growth grove, N47 37.340 W121 18.884 — 1.5 miles: Trail continues gentle ascent, N47 37.118 W121 18.850 — 1.85 miles: Trout Lake - 1,920', N47 36.745 W121 19.055 — 2.4 miles: Upper Copper Falls - begin steep ascent - 2,264', N47 36.740 W121 19.277 — 3.0 miles: Steep ascent via switchbacks, N47 36.812 W121 19.464 — 3.5 miles: Steep ascent continues via switchbacks, N47 36.849 W121 19.745 — 4.0 miles: Ford small stream - 3,305', N47 36.645 W121 19.919 — 4.5 miles: Ascent ends - trail levels out, N47 36.630 W121 19.983 — 4.75 miles: Spur to Malachite Lake, N47 36.456 W121 19.752 — 5.1 miles: Copper Lake - 3,780'. I'm not, 47, and carrying 45 pounds. We met a lot of dogs and kids. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, camping, and nature trips and is best used from May until November. 5. EASY 2.2 mi. Established campsites are available at Lake Malachite and Trout and Copper Lakes on the south and east sides of the mountain near the West Fork Foss River trail. The day use area here includes a natural swimming beach, established campsites and privy. Little Chetwoot Lake via Chetwoot Lake Trail . EASY 1.8 mi. Malachite Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is a 12.2 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Skykomish, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. United States › Washington › Alpine Lakes Wilderness › Trout Lake via West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. Once you take the fork that splits from the main trail, the trail can be easily lost. 4. A free day use or overnight Wilderness Permit must be filled out at the TH and carried for the duration of your trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Campfires are prohibited at all lakes accessed by West Fork Foss Trail. A total hidden gem! Spikes not needed. You'll ascend about 150 feet in only about 500 feet, but … Practice Leave No Trace Ethics. Fishing is allowed with a valid WA state fishing license. Foliage was going crazy. I think It would also be best to stay overnight, seeing how many great spots to camp there were at the top. It's just over 0.1 mile to the lake, with a somewhat stony climb of about 100 feet on rudimentary trail. Copper Lake & Lake Malachite - 10.2 Miles Round-Trip The West Fork Foss River Trail reaches deep into the highest concentration of lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness between Highway 2 and I-90. We stayed on the right side of the lake, had to walk over a log jam but totally worth the camp spot! Views open to Shoestring Falls and the rocky ridge of Malachite Peak as it winds past debris from a 2006 flood to a new footbridge over the river (.98 miles : 1,675’). 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