West Fork Foss River and Lakes
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A staircase of alpine lakes climbs from old-growth forest to granite basins, with Trout, Copper, and Big Heart Lakes each more dramatic than the last.
About This Trail
The West Fork Foss River trail strings together some of the finest lake scenery in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Trout Lake comes first at just 1.6 miles, an easy walk through old-growth forest with some of the largest surviving trees in the drainage. Malachite Lake hides a short detour off the main trail. From here the route steepens dramatically.
The climb from Trout Lake to Copper Lake gains 1,900 feet in less than two miles on exposed, rocky switchbacks with limited shade. This is the crux of the hike and demands early starts on warm days. Copper Lake rewards the effort with a dramatic waterfall tumbling into a cirque basin. Beyond Copper, Little Heart and Big Heart Lakes push deeper into raw alpine terrain beneath ridgelines and snowfields.
Access is currently complicated by road damage. West Fork Foss Road (FR 6835) has floor damage and downed trees, adding a 2.4-mile road walk before reaching the trailhead. Check current conditions. Once past the road walk, the trail itself is well-established but rocky in the upper sections.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“For my orientation with the Skykomish Forest Service district, I joined FS staff at Trout Lake to learn some basic trail maintenance skills.”
Last report: Jun 6, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Road currently impassable by vehicle - 2.4 mile road walk required
- Steep exposed switchbacks between Trout and Copper Lakes
- Rocky footing in upper sections
- Limited shade on upper trail
Getting There
Northwest Forest Pass required. Privy at trailhead, no water. Currently a 2.4-mile road walk due to road damage and downed trees on FR 6835. Dogs allowed on leash.
From US-2, turn south on Foss River Road (Road 68) half a mile past the Skykomish Ranger Station. Continue 6.7 miles, watching for the left turn onto Road 6835 signed "Trail 1064." As of early 2026, FR 6835 is impassable by vehicle due to floor damage and downed trees, requiring a 2.4-mile road walk to the trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash.
Start before dawn for Big Heart Lake to avoid the brutal midday sun on the Trout-to-Copper climb. Trout Lake alone works as a relaxed morning outing. Budget extra time for the 2.4-mile road walk each way.
Recent Reports
For my orientation with the Skykomish Forest Service district, I joined FS staff at Trout Lake to learn some basic trail maintenance skills. We cut several logs and cleared a large jackstraw of downed trees that hikers had previously been forced to detour around.
A wonderful, off the beaten path to the wonderful alpine lakes of Tout Lake, Copper Lake, and Malachite Lake. The river closely follows the West Fork Foss River and the roaring sounds are your constant companion.
First off all, last section of the road is cleared, so you can drive to the trail head. Second, there are snow patches next to Copper and Malachite lakes, I assume snow is on the trail past Copper lake too.
Similar Hikes
