Triple Trip Tip #1

Trying to decided which mountain lake to go to can be a daunting task when there are so many variables. What is the snow level on the slopes you will be traveling? How many people are likely to be there when we arrive to camp? Is this the best spot to spend the night in the area? I don’t have time to hike all my favorite spots, but I am in the loop with how the snow has been melting out and keeping up on the latest trip reports. Here are my top three picks for lakes that should be mostly melted out now, relatively quiet and drop dead gorgeous. No promises about the mosquitos how ever!

1. The Lakes Basin: Mount Margaret Backcountry, Mt. St Helens N.M.-With a bunch of lakes to choose from, this area packs a lot of variety. Some are semi forested, some basins have been stripped clean of trees from the 1980’s eruption. Take your pick and enjoy, don’t forget to make a advanced reservation here with the Monument to reserve your groomed camping spot. Its 6.2 miles to Shovel or Panhandle Lakes, in the heart of the basin.

Shovel Lake from above

2. Hunt’s Cove: Mt. Jefferson Wilderness-A great hike in past Pamelia Lake with views of Mt. Jefferson and then up to the lovely Hunt’s Cove Lakes Basin, don’t forget to check out the higher lakes on the PCT if you have the time to spare. 6 miles in, get your advanced reservation here.

Hunts Lake from the PCT

3. Cast Lake: Mt. Hood Wilderness-Cast Lake has always been my favorite lake in the Mt. Hood area. 6.2 miles in, more info about the hike here.

Me hanging out on Zig Zag Ridge above the lake