Williams Lake
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A 15-mile wilderness approach to a granite-basin lake beneath La Bohn Peak in the Alpine Lakes.
About This Trail
Williams Lake sits at the base of La Bohn Peak in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, reached by a 15-mile one-way trek via the Dutch Miller Gap Trail. The final mile branches off the main trail and climbs through subalpine forest and huckleberry-laden meadows to the lake, which fills a granite basin ringed by cliffs. An abandoned mine on the far shore and a boot path to Chain Lakes and La Bohn Gap offer further exploration.
The approach is long regardless of which trailhead you choose. From the east, the Salmon La Sac/Waptus corridor adds serious mileage. From the west via the Middle Fork Snoqualmie, road conditions and river crossings complicate access. Most visitors make this a multi-day trip, camping at Waptus Lake or along Deception Creek and day-hiking to Williams.
This is deep wilderness with few other hikers. The lake itself features tadpole-filled streams, granite slabs for swimming, and views up to Summit Chief. Mud and snow linger on the Dutch Miller Gap Trail well into July, and bugs are persistent through summer.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“This report is for a 5-day, 40-mile east-west solo traverse of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, starting at Salmon La Sac trailhead and ending at Snow Lake trailhead/Alpental.”
Last report: Jun 12, 2026
Scorecard
Very few visitors due to extreme distance. Waptus Lake area sees moderate traffic but Williams Lake itself is rarely visited.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Snow travel likely on Dutch Miller Gap Trail before late July
- River crossings on Middle Fork approach
- Long distance with no bailout options
Getting There
Recent Reports
Did a 2 night backpacking trip from Salmon La Sac TH with the goal of hiking the Waptus River trail to PCT, over Dutch Miller Gap to climb Mt Hinman. Day 1: Trail to Waptus Lake is in good condition with few downed trees.
No trip report Tim dragged me around the mountains this week for a 4 night extravaganza. Starting on 9/17.
Stayed 2 nights at Waptus with a very long day hike up to Ivanhoe and Williams via the Dutch Miller Gap Trail. Everything was stunning!
Similar Hikes
