Seattle, WA: Fisher Lake via Tonga Ridge
Hikers are rare but solitude isn't on this 9-mile ridgeline hike to a secluded lakeside campsite in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
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-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography
Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.2
Waypoints
TRT001
Location: 47.6788558959961, -121.264801025391
Walk SE for gentle climb on old road bed; gradual elevation gain ahead
TRT002
Location: 47.6781120300293, -121.263374328613
Turn R, heading S on Tonga Ridge through mature forest
TRT003
Location: 47.6720275878906, -121.259368896484
Pass into the pristine Alpine Lakes Wilderness; continue SE
TRT004
Location: 47.6715202331543, -121.254333496094
Meadows and wildlife sightings increase along this stretch (plus, wildflowers flourish here in early summer). Pass through stands of Alaska yellowcedar, white pine, mountain hemlock
TRT005
Location: 47.6684951782227, -121.240539550781
Photo op: Mt. Sawyer’s W slope rises behind meadows; Mts. Daniel and Hinman silhouetted to the SE; the deep Foss River Valley to the SW
TRT006
Location: 47.6662292480469, -121.229721069336
Stay straight @ 3-way
TRT007
Location: 47.6565933227539, -121.217094421387
Turn R (SW) @ unsigned 4-way. In 200 ft., bear L @ Y. This is a stiff climb on climbers’ trail
TRT008
Location: 47.6521644592285, -121.21955871582
Terrain levels through heather- and lupine-filled meadows. Tip: Bring bug spray—countless waterholes create a mosquito haven in mid-summer
TRT009
Location: 47.6487045288086, -121.222259521484
Catch your breath on ridgetop, then follow main trail S for descent to lake (ignore faint side paths)
TRT010
Location: 47.6404838562012, -121.218086242676
Cliffs reflect on the blues of Fisher Lake (4,763 ft.). Roam NE shore on somewhat overgrown path, passing several campsites. Retrace steps