Solo Hiking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Just east of Seattle exists a picturesque wonderland of glacial lakes and wild goat herds

Solo Hiking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Author

Colton Jacobs

Photographer

Colton Jacobs

Camera

Canon 7D Mk II

Film

NA

It's no secret that Washington holds some of the most beautiful scenery and alpine environments in the lower 48, however these zones can be a trek to get into, as this trip was.

Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness just a couple hours east of Seattle a small couple of lakes exists, rumored to have incredible sunset scenery sprinkled in with a colony of very mellow mountain goats. As last summer went on, weather, friends, schedules, etc all failed to align for the perfect trip, so I made the decision to see for myself, by myself. Now, I’m not usually that kind of adventurer—I’ll usually forgo a trip if I do not have somebody to share the experience with, even if it is safe to go solo—but I knew this was one not to put off.

Pro Tip for hiking solo: take lots of naps in sunny spots, pack tons of treats, and listen to podcasts

Once in the area I searched all of day one for the mountain goats I had heard so much about, but couldn’t seem to locate them until late in afternoon I spied a couple across the lake, laying on the glacier snow, staying cool in the hot summer heat. With that checked off the list I set up camp—an air mattress on the grassy edge of the lake with a view of Mt. Daniel at sunset and sunrise. Hard to beat.

Somewhat frightening, I awoke to goats everywhere, all around me. Turns out, the wilderness area is so popular (USFS estimates upwards of 150,000 people visit each year) there’s no need to search for the goats, they’ll come to you. Apparently they like the salt in your pee, so they eat the grass around camp, and in some cases will even get friendly enough to try and catch it straight from the source. . . if you know what I mean.

I spent most of the morning of day two following these goats around the like a shepherd does his flock. I even ate lunch on a rock while one grazed beside me. Never have I been so close to such wild yet docile animals, it was truly impressive. 

Once my adopted flock took to the glaciers I packed up and head down the mountain. What a beautiful and bizarre experience.

Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-1
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-2
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-6
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-16
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-4
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-8
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-15
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-11
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-9
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-13
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-10
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-19
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-17
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-3
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-7
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-14
Colton-Jacobs-Alpine-Lake-Wild-18
Related articles
Chasing the Famous & Rare Golden Larch in North Cascades National Park
Photo Essay: Chasing the Famous & Rare Golden Larch in North Cascades National Park

Medium format photos from deep in the rugged alpine of Washington State, where each fall for rare moment a brilliant gold hue overtakes the evergreen

A SOBO Family Reunion Along the Pacific Crest Trail
Finding Solitude Hiking SOBO on the Pacific Crest Trail

Four old-timers trade city life for a few days in truly remote country in the heart of the Great Northwest

Three Volcanoes: Accidental Adventure Biking in WA
Three Volcanoes: Accidental Adventure Biking in WA

Two friends explore 150 miles of uncharted territory, with 12,000 feet of elevation gain, for fun

A 24 Hour Effort to Summit Mount Baker
A 24 Hour Effort to Summit Mount Baker

Drawn south from Canada, three friends make for the roof of the North Cascades

Overnight Snowshoeing Outside Seattle
Photo Essay: Backcountry Hut Snowshoeing Outside Seattle

Swapping city blues for white wonderland in Mount Rainier National Forest

Photo Essay: Climbing Mount Olympus
Photo Essay: One Weekend to Summit Mount Olympus

With ice axe in one hand and analog camera in the other, a classic PNW summit was won

More articles
Solo Hiking Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Gallery Mode

Photographer

Colton Jacobs

Camera

Canon 7D Mk II

Film

NA

Back to article