Hiking through Washington’s mountains last summer was a dream come true. For years I yearned for heart-pumping treks that end with me diving head-first into a crystal clear alpine lake. While trekking along the Maple Pass Loop, I discovered the magic of Washington’s wilderness on an epic spur trail to Lewis Lake in North Cascades NP.
About the Hike to Lewis Lake
Hiking to the stunning Lewis Lake is a short yet challenging trek that actually follows the first-half of the Maple Pass Loop Trail. While the hike to Maple Pass is arguably the most popular day hike in North Cascades, not many people take this epic spur trail to Lewis Lake. In just under 4.5 miles and around +900 feet in elevation gain, we can reach the banks of this serene setting.
Read more about hiking the Maple Pass Loop here
Hiking to Lewis Lake in North Cascades NP
Distance: 8.6 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: +900 Feet
Best Time to Hike: July – October
Getting to the Trailhead
The trail to Lewis Lake begins on the Maple Pass Trail, located just off Highway 20 or North Cascades Highway (directions to trailhead here). Since this hike begins on U.S. Forest Service land, a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead for day use.
Click here to buy your pass online or purchase one at a visitor center/ranger station
Beginning the Hike to Lewis Lake
Beginning on the Maple Pass Trail towards Lake Ann, we hike uphill through a thick forest and meet our first trail junction 1.3 miles in. From here, consider taking a short 0.5 mile detour down to the stunning aqua-colored Lake Ann.
Retreating back from Lake Ann to the Maple Pass Trail, our next mile consists of climbing nearly +600 feet in elevation. Opening up out of the forest and into the exposed sun, the ground turns from soft dirt to hard rocks. At just over 3 miles in our trek, we meet the trail we’ll take to Lewis Lake.
Looking for a shorter lake hike in North Cascades? Read about Blue Lake here
Wing Lake Trail
Wing Lake Trail is the route we’ll take to reach Lewis Lake, the first destination along this hike. Beginning on a stone-like walkway, we meet a boulder field about 0.3 miles in with the water of Lewis Lake barely visible in the distance.
Traversing the Boulders
While Lewis Lake is only about 1 mile from here, the effort it takes to get there is less than minimal. With the massive boulders and a lack of trail, you’ll have to create your own sort of path through here.
Keep your eyes peeled for rock cairns (stacks of rocks) that will provide you with a sense of direction as you make your way to the lake.
Reaching Lewis Lake
After that rock climbing experience, we’ll reach an area of trees before we’re forced to climb over more rocks. Eventually we’ll pass over a flowing creek of water and find ourselves at the eastern banks of Lewis Lake.
Lewis Lake, a place of unequivocal beauty, invitingly welcomes us in for a dip. The crystal-clear water displays the murky debris below while also reflecting the green pine trees from above.
Even in the extreme heat of late August, the mountains still display the snow from an opposite season. It’s no wonder Lewis Lake continuously forms each summer as the icy rain never gets the chance to completely melt.
Hiking on from Lewis Lake
The trail that brought us to Lewis Lake in North Cascades NP actually doesn’t end for another 1.5 miles until we reach Wing Lake. While that seems like a short hike to discover another alpine lake, you’ll gain more than +1100 feet in elevation in that time. If you’re willing to try it, consider hiking another 1.2 miles and +2000 feet up to Black Peak where there’s a campsite for those on overnight backpacking trips.
Click here to read about my favorite backcountry campsite in North Cascades NP
Before heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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