Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA: Scottish Lakes High Camp to Larch Lake

Although there are several ways to access Larch Lake, none are easier than the 10.5-mile route from Scottish Lakes High Camp, a collection of cabins that provides an excellent launching pad for dayhikes or overnights. From the camp, hike south on Mac’s Express Trail for a climb to McCue Ridge. Stop at the rock outcroppings on the ridgetop for views north to Nason Ridge.

Next, descend the back of the ridge to a meadow with tall grass and a smattering of trees. On clear days, you can see across the Chiwaukum Creek valley to the ridgelines of the Chiwaukum Mountains to the west. Pick up McCue Ridge Trail and hike west along the ridge.

At mile 1.2, turn left onto Trail #1574 for a descent west to Chiwaukum Lake, a large alpine lake hemmed in by trees. (There are several nice campsites dotting the shoreline; look for fish jumping in the lake.) From here, turn right onto Chiwaukum Creek Trail #1591 for a two-mile stretch to Larch Lake.

During the summer, the meadows bordering Larch Lake resemble vibrant gardens, brimming with purple lupine and yellow asters. Follow the lake’s small outlet stream to the east to find a string of glassy reflecting pools and large, reddish schist boulders (look for ribbons of white quartz mixed into the rock). The route ends at the banks of Larch Lake; re-trace your route back to the trailhead.

INFO Scottish Lakes High Camp, (509) 763-3044, scottishlakes.com

-Mapped by David Tate

Trail Facts

• Distance: 16.9

Waypoints

LCH001

Location: 47.728267, -120.843864

This route begins at Scottish Lakes High Camp, a group of cabins and a lodge (with a wood fired sauna and hot tub) that provides an excellent launching point for dayhikes or overnights to Larch lake. If you have several days, you can use these cabins as a basecamp to explore the many lakes in the region, including the Scottish Lakes, Donald, Julius, Ethel and Loch Eileen.
Next: Follow the signed Mac’s Express Trail, (a blue diamond). Note: The only way to get here is by arranging a pick-up from the parking lot across from Nason Creek Rest Area on Highway 2. From here, it’s a 45-minute drive up a gated logging road. Info: (509) 763-3044; scottishlakes.com.

LCH002

Location: 47.72766, -120.844139

Follow Mac’s Express Trail uphill to McCue Ridge.

LCH003

Location: 47.726688, -120.844697

First junction: Stay straight on Mac’s Express at its junction with Sunset Trail.

LCH004

Location: 47.725367, -120.852807

Continue straight, following the sign to Cliffhanger, at this junction with Low Road.

LCH005

Location: 47.72339, -120.855145

The trail ends here (a rock outcropping offers views north to Nason Ridge). Follow the blue ribbons (tied to the trees) to a meadow, and pick up the McCue Ridge Trail.

LCH006

Location: 47.722942, -120.855339

Follow McCue Ridge Trail through the tall grass. The path winds northwest along the ridge to a junction with Trail #1574.

LCH007

Location: 47.724256, -120.861347

Turn left onto Trail #1574 and descend to Chiwaukum Lake.

LCH008

Location: 47.728066, -120.890293

Trail #1574 ends at a nice camping area near Chiwaukum Lake. Turn right onto Trail #1591 and follow it to Larch Lake.

LCH009

Location: 47.726724, -120.910335

Trail leads through an open area that turns scarlet in the fall.

LCH010

Location: 47.718958, -120.915377

Larch Lake: This picturesque lake is the centerpiece of a larch-filled basin that’s rimmed by large meadows and the rugged Chiwaukum Mountains. Optional: Bear right to visit Cup Lake.

LCH011

Location: 47.719164, -120.91476

In summer, golden asters cling to rocks in Larch Lake’s outlet stream. Next, stroll through the large upper meadows to see the wildflower displays.

LCH011

Location: 47.719792, -120.913365

During the fall, the larch turn a brilliant gold, which lights up with the sun’s rays.

LCH012

Location: 47.717695, -120.912958

In fall, the huckleberry brush turns scarlet and the larch trees turn a brilliant gold. Look for their bright colors reflecting off the water’s surface, making an impressive spectacle of fall. Backtrack to Scottish Lakes High Camp.

Larch Lake

Location: 47.717706, -120.912893

There is no better time to see the beautiful colors of Larch Lake than during fall.

Scottish Lakes High Camp

Location: 47.728261, -120.843741

The lodge is the largest of the buildings.

View from McCue Ridge

Location: 47.723404, -120.854888

Left to right: Glacier Peak, Tenpeak Mountain, Luahna Peak, Clark Mountain

Chiwaukum Lake

Location: 47.727836, -120.88995

First snow on Chiwaukum Mountains is reflected on the lake.

Chiwaukum Mountains

Location: 47.726724, -120.910099

Wildflower Meadows

Location: 47.719139, -120.915495

The meadows come alive with beautiful wildflowers during summer.

Larch Lake Basin

Location: 47.718954, -120.9152

Summer Colors

Location: 47.719189, -120.914674

Larch Lake Basin

Location: 47.719536, -120.914288

Fall colors explode against a backdrop of fresh snow on Chiwaukum Mountain.

Inspiration Rock

Location: 47.719658, -120.914165

Larch Reflections

Location: 47.719694, -120.913966

The golden larch colors reflected in pools.

Golden Larch

Location: 47.719795, -120.913306

Waterfall

Location: 47.719878, -120.913006

Falls on the outlet stream from Larch Lake.

Cup Lake

Location: 47.715176, -120.921535

Cup Lake: Perpetually frozen, even in late summer, you’ll see large chunks of ice floating on the surface. The southwestern edge of this small cirque still has large snowfields covering the shadowy southwest rim. According to local legend, a miner’s horse ended up in Cup Lake and floated upright, suspended on ice or a log, until it rotted away. This may be how Deadhorse Pass (just above the lake) got its name.

Cup Lake

Location: 47.715219, -120.921235

Even at the end of summer, there are still massive chunks of snow lingering.