Tuck + Robin Lakes

The Tuck Lake and Robin Lake hiking trail is a strenuous out-and-back hike in the Wenatchee National Forest area of Washington. With an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, you have to earn the privilege of soaking in the incredible views at the top. The hike begins on the Deception Pass Trail and takes you along a beautiful stretch of old-growth forest by Hyas Lake with an amazing view of the towering Cathedral Rock. There are plenty of campsites along the banks of Hyas Lake where boaters and anglers alike try their luck. The trail begins to climb around the 3 mile mark and doesn't seem to stop climbing until you reach Tuck Lake. The climb is steep and leads over boulders, loose rocks, and tree roots - so take your time and be safe! At around 5 miles you will finally reach Tuck Lake, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Mount Daniel and Cathedral Rock. There are several backcountry sites to choose from along Tuck Lake. Fishing is plentiful in this alpine lake, and there are great opportunities for other wildlife viewing. Once you've taken a nice rest and filled up your canteen, the hike to Robin Lake becomes increasingly difficult and much harder to navigate. Cairns mark the way, but route finding and navigation skills are highly recommended for this strictly user-maintained stretch of the trail. It is a rough and difficult ascent, but Robin Lake is the true gem of the trip. After about a mile of ridgeline and granite scramble you will emerge to a truly breathtaking view of the granite-carved alpine lake. Increasingly better views of Mount Daniel, Mount Hinman, and Cathedral Rock await behind you. Granite Mountain, a distant Mount Rainier, and Glacier Peak dominate the view in front of you. Mountain Goats frequent the area and are very curious neighbors for the backpackers who are making the overnight stay. There are several campsites near the bank. There are many good day hikes from Robin Lake for the extra adventurous, including Granite Mountain and Trico Mountain. If you are an angler, don't forget your fishing rod! You will see alpine trout rising at early morning hours and at sundown.