Hope and Mig Lakes

The Tunnel Creek Trail climbs 1,550 feet in just 2.5 miles to reach Hope Lake, making the grade feel honest from the start. The lower stretch passes through old clearcut and second-growth forest before steepening into mature timber with vine maple that turns electric orange in early October. Hope Lake sits in a tight basin ringed by subalpine fir, with flat rocks along the shore for snacking and a healthy blueberry crop in late summer.

From Hope Lake, a 0.9-mile spur on the Pacific Crest Trail leads to Mig Lake, which occupies a more open, flat bench with a different character entirely. Where Hope feels enclosed and intimate, Mig sprawls under bigger sky. Strong hikers can continue another 3.5 miles on the PCT over a 5,300-foot pass to reach Trap Lake, where the views open dramatically toward the surrounding ridgelines.

The access road (FR 6095) earns its reputation. Deep ruts, steep pitches, and potholes mean high clearance is the safe bet, though trip reports suggest a careful Subaru driver can thread the needle. The small trailhead lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends.