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Washington State

Mountain Lakes

In both the Cascade and Olympic mountains, thousands of high lakes beckon canoeists, campers, anglers and hikers.  The Alpine Lakes Wilderness (between Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes, about an hour's drive east of Seattle) protects some 700 high lakes in the Cascades, the largest concentration outside of Alaska.

The most remote of the ranges high lakes (such as Canyon Lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness) present some of the best trout fishing in the state, but requre days of hiking to reach.  Ross Lake, part of the North Cascades National Park, offers easier access for boat anglers.  Tributary streams present splendid catch-and-release fly fishing.

On the Cascades eastern scarp, the ice-carved dagger of Lake Chelan plunges more than 50 miles into the heart of the North Cascade Mountains.  This veritable freshwater fjord is a haven for boaters, water-skiers, parasailers, fisherman, and seaplane sightseeing adventures.  Or you can cruise to the mountain village of Stehekin at the head of the lake on board one of the daily passenger ferries (509-682-4584, www.ladyofthelake.com).

Locals Suggest:

  • The high country typically insn't snow-free until late July.  Peak fishing occurs in the fall.
  • Ross Lake resort offers floating cabins and rental boats in spectacular surroundings.
  • Enjoy an evening stroll along Leavenworth's Waterfront Trail, a bit of a secret only a block from downtown shops.
  • Check out the lake front picnic and campsites in Colonial Creek campgrounds.