Lake Clarice
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A granite-walled lake with a feeding waterfall, a short spur off the Marmot Lake trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
About This Trail
Lake Clarice occupies a granite-walled bowl in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, about 0.8 miles off the main trail to Marmot Lake. The lake sits just 0.6 miles before Marmot Lake on the connecting spur trail, making it a natural side trip for backpackers headed deeper into the wilderness. Granite cliffs surround the shore, and a waterfall feeds the lake from above.
Two approach routes reach the area. From the south, the Tucquala Meadows trailhead via Salmon La Sac and NF-4330 provides access through Hyas Lake. From the north, the Deception Creek trailhead works but the road to it is notoriously rough, with potholes and exposed rocks requiring very slow driving even in a passenger car.
Most visitors experience Lake Clarice as part of a multi-day trip centered on Marmot Lake, with day trips to nearby Jade Lake and other destinations. The area sees moderate backpacker traffic on summer weekends but thins out quickly during the week. Bugs and mud are standard conditions through July.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Moderate weekend backpacker traffic to Marmot Lake area in summer. Clarice itself sees fewer visitors than Marmot.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Rough access road to Deception Creek trailhead
- Snow on trail into July
Getting There
South approach via Tucquala Meadows (NF-4330 from Salmon La Sac) is the more common route. North approach via Deception Creek has very rough road.
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