Cathedral Rock-Deception Pass-Tuck & Robin Lakes

A beautiful loop trail with options for day hikes and backpacks ranging from 9 miles to 20 miles roundtrip in the heart of the alpine lakes wilderness. Trail provides access to Squaw Lake, Peggy's Pond, Deception Pass, Tuck and Robin Lakes, Hyas Lake, Marmot and Jade Lakes, and Lake Clarice.

getting there

Take Exit 80 off of I-90 and drive to Salmon La Sac. Turn onto Forest Road 4330 (Fish Lake Road) and drive 12.5 miles to the Deception Pass Trailhead at the road end. Both the Cathedral Rock trail and Deception Pass trail leave from the same parking lot. The Deception Pass Trail leaves from the far north end of the lot while the Cathedral Rock Trail is near the middle set of bathrooms on the west side. 

on the trail

cathedral Rocks-Deception Pass Loop

Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail heading north to Cathedral Pass. At 2.1 miles reach a junction for Trail Creek and Michael Lake, stay right and continue on the trail for 2.8 miles. Pass Squaw Lake which has a couple great camping spots and stunning view of Cathedral Rock tough thinning trees. The trail meets the Pacific Crest Trail and you have two options (1) Continue the loop by hiking north towards deception pass. (2) Head towards Peggy's pond by hiking west on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for a few minutes and then turning right and circling around Cathedral Rock. 

The hike north to deception pass is another 5.2 miles with a couple options for camping as you get closer to the pass. Hike south on the Deception Pass Trail. After 0.6 miles on the deception pass trail you'll reach the junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes. Tuck lake is 1.1 miles up the trail and Robin Lakes is another 1.4 miles. If you don't have time to visit those lovely little lakes continue south down the trail for another 4.4 miles to the trailhead. Passing Little Hyas Lake and Hyas Lake. 

Loop Trip Profile:
NAME
Mileage (miles)
Elevation Gain (feet)
Cathedral Rock Trail to PCT Junction 4.9 2,200
PCT Junction to Peggy's Pond 0.7 0
PCT Junction to Deception Pass 5.2 -1,100
Deception pass to Junction with Tuck and Robin Lakes 0.6 -300
Tuck and Robin Junction to Robin Lake  2.5 2,000
Tuck and Robin Junction to Hyas Lake 2.4 -700
Hyas Lake to Deception Pass Trailhead 2.0 -100
TOTAL MILEAGE (no side trips) 15.1 2,300
TOTAL MILEAGE (including side trips to Peggy's Pond and Tuck & Robin Lakes) 21.5 4,200
  • From Deception Pass, hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) 4.3 miles to Deception Lakes.
  • From Deception Pass, hike north on the Lake Clarice Trail 2.8 miles to a junction. From here it's 0.7 mile to Marmot Lake and 0.9 mile to Lake Clarice. Follow an unmaintained path from Marmot Lake to Jade Lake.
  • From the trailhead, hike north on the Deception Pass Trail to Deception Pass and Tuck & Robin Lake.

Cathedral Rock & Peggy's Pond

11 miles round trip, 2,300 feet of elevation gain, 5,600 ft high point

Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail heading north to Cathedral Pass. At 2.1 miles reach a junction for Trail Creek and Michael Lake, stay right and continue on the trail for 2.8 miles. Pass Squaw Lake which has a couple great camping spots and stunning view of Cathedral Rock tough thinning trees. When trail meets the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), head towards Peggy's pond by hiking west on the PCT for a few minutes and then turning right and circling around Cathedral Rock.  There are great campsites and great views of Cathedral Rock and Mount Daniel.

Tuck & Robin Lakes

14.4 miles round trip, 3,000 feet of elevation gain, 6,300 ft high point

Hike the Deception Pass Trail 4.5 miles to the junction with the Robin Lakes Trail (4,275 ft). Turn right and continue  1.2 miles to Tuck Lake (5,275 ft) and then 1.5 miles to Robin Lake (6,300 ft).  There are campsites at both lakes.

Marmot, Clarice & Jade Lakes

18.8 miles round trip with 2,975 feet of elevation gain, 4,950 ft high point

Hike north on the Deception Pass Trail 5 miles to Deception Pass and its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Lake Clarice Trail, and Deception Creek Trail. Bear left onto the Lake Clarice Trail and hike 3.8 miles to Marmot Lake. From here, it's 0.9 mile to Lake Clarice and 0.7 mile to the campsites on Marmot Lake. Beyond the campsites there is a faint trail from Marmot Lake to No Name and Jade Lakes.

Hyas Lake & Little Hyas Lake

5.4 miles round trip, 100 feet of elevation gain

Hike north on the Deception Pass Trail ~2 miles to Hyas Lake. Enjoy being in the shadow of Mount Daniel and Cathedral Rock or hike north another 0.7 miles to Little Hyas Lake. There is camping at both lakes and either lake makes a great basecamp for deeper explorations into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Length: 20.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,700 ft
  • 6,200 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Stevens Pass No. 176
  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Cathedral Rock-Deception Pass Loop
  • Tuck & Robin Lakes
  • Robin Lake
  • Cathedral Rock & Peggy's Pond
  • Cathedral Rock
  • Peggy's Pond
  • Squaw Lake
  • Deception Pass & Lakes
  • Marmot Lake
  • Marmot & Jade Lakes
  • Marmot & Clarice Lakes
  • Marmot, Clarice & Jade Lakes
  • Hyas Lake
  • Hyas Lake & Little Hyas Lake
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