Heather Lake (near Lake Wenatchee)
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A forested climb to a quiet alpine lake tucked just below the Pacific Crest Trail near Lake Wenatchee.
About This Trail
Heather Lake sits in a basin below the Pacific Crest Trail, reached by a steady climb through old-growth hemlock and cedar forest. The first stretch crosses a substantial bridge at about 1.3 miles, then gains elevation through root-staircase sections before leveling out through huckleberry meadows. The lake itself is a fine swimming spot come August, surrounded by subalpine trees with views of the surrounding ridgelines.
This is not the Heather Lake off Mountain Loop Highway. This one is accessed from the Lake Wenatchee side via forest roads off Highway 2, and it sees far less traffic. Expect solitude most days, especially midweek. The forest road (FR 6700) is gated until snowmelt, which typically means access opens sometime in June depending on the year.
For those wanting more distance, Glasses Lake is a 3-mile roundtrip add-on from Heather Lake that follows the PCT corridor. The huckleberries along the upper trail are worth the trip alone in late summer. Northwest Forest Pass required at the trailhead.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Brushy trail sections can soak your legs when vegetation is wet
- Fallen trees across trail (usually passable but expect some scrambling)
- Forest road access gate closed during snow season
Getting There
Small trailhead parking at the end of FS 400. No fee at trailhead but Northwest Forest Pass required. The forest roads are gravel but generally in decent shape once the gate opens.
From Highway 2, take FR 6700 (Smithbrook Road) 3.5 miles east of Stevens Pass. Follow the gravel road 12.5 miles, turn left on FR 6701 for 4.7 miles, then left on FS 400 for half a mile to the trailhead. From Leavenworth, take WA 207 past Lake Wenatchee, then Little Wenatchee River Road to FS 6700. FR 6700 is gated about a mile up from Lake Wenatchee until snowmelt, typically June.
Start early if you want the lake to yourself. The approach roads add time, so plan for a longer drive than the mileage suggests. Good midday start works fine for a shorter day.
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