Lake Michael
Alpine Lakes WildernessBest Jul–Oct
A 17-mile backpack to a quiet alpine lake under Goat Mountain Ridge, sharing the Tucquala trailhead with Hyas Lake.
About This Trail
Lake Michael sits in a high cirque east of the Cle Elum River, tucked beneath the headwall of Goat Mountain Ridge. The trail leaves the Tucquala Meadows trailhead at the end of Forest Service Road 4330, the same departure point as Hyas Lake, and turns up Trail Creek to climb hard for the first two miles on tight switchbacks. The grade eases through subalpine forest before a final thousand-foot push over the ridge drops into the basin.
The lake itself is small, deep, and ringed by hemlock and silver fir. Established campsites along the shore make this a viable one-night or two-night base; a short spur trail continues to Lake Terence, a smaller pool a half mile beyond. Both lakes hold trout and stay cold into August.
The trail is shared with horses and stays mostly forested until the high crossing. Snow lingers in the upper basin into July most years, and the pass holds cornices that need to melt out before the route is reasonable. Plan it for August through early October. Self-issued wilderness permit required at the trailhead.
Seasonal Highlights
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Hyas Lake hikers crowd the trailhead, but most turn back at Hyas. Lake Michael draws a small fraction of that traffic. Weekday solitude is plausible.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Snow lingers in the upper basin and on the pass into July
- Cornices on the ridge crossing through early summer
- Steep early switchbacks slow descents in wet conditions
- Shared with horse traffic — yield uphill
Getting There
Tucquala Meadows trailhead at the end of FS Road 4330 with vault toilet. Northwest Forest Pass required. Lot fills on summer weekends.