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Deception Lakes
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A chain of small alpine lakes along the PCT, reached through old-growth forest and multiple creek fords in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
About This Trail
Deception Lakes sit at about 5,000 feet in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, strung along the Pacific Crest Trail between Mac Peak and Surprise Mountain. Getting to them is the adventure. The approach starts on the Deception Creek Cutoff Trail, drops to Fisher Creek, and immediately presents the first of three creek crossings. Fisher Creek can run several feet deep in early season. Deception Creek, a quarter mile beyond, is wider. By September these crossings are manageable rock-hops, but in June they will soak you to the thigh.
Past the crossings, you climb steadily through Douglas fir and western hemlock forest along Deception Creek for about two miles, gaining 800 feet. The connector trail to the PCT branches left and punches up another 800 feet through switchbacks and boulder gardens. When you reach the PCT, head north. Daisy Lake appears first, small and greenish-blue. The main Deception Lake sits just beyond with established campsites and a flat rock slab that makes a good rest spot.
This works as an ambitious day hike or a comfortable overnight. The lakes also connect to Surprise and Glacier Lakes via the PCT, opening up loop possibilities for backpackers willing to arrange a shuttle or add miles. The trailhead road (FR 6830) off the Foss River Road is long and winding, and it snows in early. Plan for a summer and fall window. Free self-issue wilderness permits are available at the trailhead kiosk.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“My wife and I did a three-day loop, starting up Deception Creek, continuing up to Deception Lakes, and down past Glacier and Surprise Lakes.”
Last report: Sep 11, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Three creek fords - deep and dangerous in early season
- Devil's club along Deception Creek sections
- Blowdowns on connector trail
- Long, remote trailhead road snows in early
- No toilet at trailhead
Getting There
Trailhead at the end of FR 6830, accessed via Foss River Road (FR 68) from Highway 2 near Skykomish. Northwest Forest Pass required. Free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk. No toilet at the trailhead. Road is long, winding, and snows in early in the season.
Start on Deception Creek Cutoff Trail and descend to Fisher Creek. Ford Fisher Creek (look for cairns marking crossing points), then ford Deception Creek a quarter mile beyond. Follow Deception Creek Trail 2 miles uphill, then turn left onto the connector trail and climb 1 mile of switchbacks through boulder gardens to the PCT. Head north on PCT to reach Daisy Lake and the main Deception Lake.
Start early, especially for a day hike. The creek crossings are best attempted in the morning before afternoon snowmelt raises water levels. Late summer (August-September) offers the easiest crossings and most reliable weather.
Recent Reports
My wife and I did a three-day loop, starting up Deception Creek, continuing up to Deception Lakes, and down past Glacier and Surprise Lakes. On the one-mile connector trail, from the Deception Creek trail to the PCT, we came to a log across the trail.
This report is for Section J, with a few side trips, 74 miles in 5 days, then another 25 in 2 days due to a storm interruption. We were hiking southbound from Stevens pass got to Park Lakes where, due to thunder and lightning, we exited via Mineral Creek Trail.
Took advantage of the long weekend to hike Section J – a longtime WA bucket list hike for me! We hiked in 4 days going SOBO which averages over 18 miles a day which retrospectively was a bit more aggressive than we would have liked.
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