The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a large wilderness area spanning the Cascade Range of Washington state in the United States. The wilderness is approximately bounded by Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass to the south and U.S. Route 2 and Stevens Pass to the north. The Alpine Lakes is the largest wilderness area near the population centers of Puget Sound, at approximately 394,000 acres (1600 square km).
Administration
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is jointly administered by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. All summer visitors, whether day hiking or camping overnight, must obtain a free, self-issued permit at a ranger station or trailhead. Visitors to the Enchantments, a popular range on the east end of the wilderness area, must obtain a special permit from the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Most trailheads serving the Alpine Lakes require a Northwest Forest Pass.
Access
The western end of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is accessible via the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River northeast of North Bend, Washington. Snoqualmie Pass provides access to the southwestern end of the wilderness. Salmon La Sac north of Roslyn, Washington is a hub for trailheads and U.S. Forest Service roads providing entry into the southern and central regions. The Stuart Range on the eastern end of the wilderness is accessible by Ingalls Creek on the south and Icicle Creek, near Leavenworth, Washington, on the north. North of Icicle Creek are the Chiwaukum Mountains which stretch northwards to Highway 2. The northern parts of the Alpine Lakes are accessible from Highway 2 and Stevens Pass.
Trails
A segment of the Pacific Crest Trail leads from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass and includes the Kendall Catwalk on Kendall Peak. This exposed section should not be attempted in snowy or icy conditions.
Ranges and peak groups
Lila Lake on Rampart Ridge with Hibox Mountain, 6,547 ft (1,996 m), behind
Mount Daniel, 7,899 ft (2,408 m), with early fall snow
From approximately west to east:
Snoqualmie peaks
Dutch Miller Gap peaks
- Chikamin Peak — 6,960 ft (2,121 m)
- Lemah Mountain — 7,480 ft (2,280 m)
- Chimney Rock — 7,721 ft (2,353 m)
- Overcoat Peak — 7,432 ft (2,265 m)
- Summit Chief Mountain — 7,464 ft (2,275 m)
- Mount Hinman — 7,492 ft (2,284 m)
- Mount Daniel — 7,899 ft (2,408 m)
Wenatchee Mountains
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Chiwaukum Mountains
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Stuart Range
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Main article: Stuart Range
Proposed expansion
On August 8, 2007, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (WA-08), King County Executive Ron Sims, and others announced a proposal to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to include the Pratt River valley on the west side of the wilderness near the town of North Bend. The proposal would also give the Pratt River National Wild and Scenic River status.
References
- Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide: Climbing and High Routes: Vol 1- Columbia River to Stevens Pass, Mountaineers Books, 2000. ISBN 0-89886-577-8
- Knibb, David Backyard Wilderness, The Mountaineers, 1982. ISBN 0-89886-029-6
- Associated Press, "Reichert proposes expanding Alpine Lakes Wilderness", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 8, 2007
- "Reichert, Local Officials and Citizens Announce Intention to Expand Wilderness", press release from Rep. Reichert, August 8, 2007
External links
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