With sunny skies and warmer weather on the way, we can't help but dream of summer. If you're making a bucket list of the best places to visit, you've got to add this one to the top. Jade Lake in Washington is a dreamy alpine lake experience that will take you high above the clouds. Your picturesque journey will begin at the Deception Pass Trailhead parking lot in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. You'll need to pay a $10 day use fee to access the trail. If you'd like to extend your stay, you can camp at the top too. This difficult trek is approximately 10.5 miles each way, so make sure you're prepared before heading out. While the hike is long, it's one hundred percent worth the effort. Follow the winding trail through multiple river crossings and plenty of jaw-dropping views. Prepare to get your feet wet! As you make your way through the forest, you will catch gorgeous views of the valley below and can enjoy all the sounds of nature. Jade Lake and it's incredible emerald water will greet you with snow-covered rock faces and white fields on either side. View this post on Instagram This is Jade Lake unfiltered. She really is this BLUE! It only took us 3 days and 25 miles backpacking round trip. 💙🌲 . #optoutside #pnw #jadelake #unfiltered A post shared by Lisa Mai 🌲🌴🌊 (@maitreeviews) on Aug 17, 2018 at 4:41pm PDT You can swim in the cerulean blue water (beware, it's very chilly) and admire the endless flowing streams and waterfalls flowing into the lake. It's truly magnificent. There are plenty of places where you can lounge along the rocks and soak up a little sun. If you're in the mood for a picnic, nothing beats these views. View this post on Instagram This is one of the beautiful spots in Washington state that has been the subject of a lot of controversy about its increased traffic (see my highlighted story on LNT). The beautiful Jade Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness taken on an overcast early summer day with my 16-35mm f4 lens on my Sony a7r II. The results of population growth (not Instagram alone) has been a huge factor in the increased traffic here. When I went there was hardly anyone there. Two local gentleman and a couple from Europe were the only people I saw up there the entire time. The trail from Marmot Lake to Jade Lake is not maintained and could use a proper route. Also around Jade Lake it would be great to have tent pads (wooden ones like Canada does perhaps?) to protect the environment. Full disclosure this shot is slightly warped to get the lake to fit but the location is toward the North end of the Lake following a sketchy footpath along the edge of a drop off. Follow me for more "secret locations" and tips how to get to them and most importantly what we can do to protect these precious places. . . . . #jadelake #alpinelakes #alpinelakeswilderness #theenchantments #cleelum #roslyn #snoqualmiepass #marmotlake #peasouplake #mtdaniel #washingtonhikersandclimbers #washingtontrails #hikewashington #pnwhiking #hikeoregon #ourpnw #pnwexplored #pnwescapes #cascadiaexplored #explorepnw #wanderwashington #washingtonexplored #pnwisbest #explorewashington #pnwwonderland A post shared by Jesse (@jeltown) on Aug 13, 2019 at 10:30am PDT Once you're done swimming, there's plenty more to explore. Should you want a view from the top, you can continue along the trail to a scenic cliff bluff to the left of Tip Top Gap. Yes, that's its real name. View this post on Instagram The summer really flies by when you have every weekend booked up until fall😂 headed out on another backpacking trip tomorrow, this time in the Olympics. Hope everyone has a good weekend! 📷: pc @shelbygriffith . . . #sheexplores #outdoorwomen #pnwoutdoorwomen #girldiscoverers #adventurerepublic #ventureeasy #herpnwlife #takemoreadventures #exploretocreate #thatpnwlife #pnwonderland #pnwdiscovered #pnwroamers #thegreatpnw #artofvisuals #trekkingtoes #exploremore #nowdiscovering #briskoutdoors #speechlessplaces #artofvisuals #wanderwashington #washingtontrails #ourplanetdaily #allaboutadventures #uncovernature #alpinebabes #choosemountainswomen A post shared by Hannah Hendrickson (@johanna.hendrickson) on Jul 26, 2019 at 8:42am PDT Ready to go? Don't forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. Jade Lake Price: $10 day use fee to access the trail Location: Deception Pass Trailhead; Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA Why You Should Go: You can take a swim in a glacier lake above the clouds. Website Editor's Note: Overnight fee permits are required in the Enchantments area of this Wilderness from June 15 to October 15. In all other areas self-issue permits are available at trailheads. We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
