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.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Wanted to see how far the low snow would allow me to get with a stretch goal of making it to Big Heart Lake.”
Last report: May 9, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
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
Wanted to see how far the low snow would allow me to get with a stretch goal of making it to Big Heart Lake. The road is open to the trailhead, it does have some sizeable potholes to contend with, but I think with some care most vehicles could navigate it.
Hiked to Trout Lake on the West Fork Foss River trail. The road is clear (still lots of branches/small chunks of wood) all the way to the Trailhead.
I drove to less than 1/2 mile from the trailhead when the road became impassible due to a half dozen trees blocking the road ahead. The road was covered with snow and there was one large tree that you had to make your way through and a few other smaller ones you could step over.
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