Backpack - Hyas Lake

10am Deception Pass Trailhead (Tucquala Meadows), Northwest Forest Pass required for drivers.

Come see what inspired the native Chinook Jargon name "big" or "great" and the beauty that motivated the formation of a special interest group that dedicated their time and energy to lobby for the creation of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We have much to be thankful for!

This trip is planned for mid-September when bugs are at a minimum, the weather is still favorable, and PCT thru hikers are making their way north.

Anticipated Itinerary

Day 1 - We’ll take the Deception Pass trail and hike about 2 miles to Hyas Lake to find a campsite along the lake where we'll camp two nights. Once camp is established, we'll explore the lake, beaches, and surroundings including Little Hyas Lake to the north. On this day we expect to hike around 3.4 miles and 100 ft gain total with side trips.

Day 2 – On our second day there will be an optional day hike from Hyas Lake north to the intersection with the PCT at Deception Pass.  This portion of the trip is expected to be more challenging than the hike in so factor that into your decision for footwear.  We'll spend just a little time hiking south on the PCT to explore a small alpine tarn not far from the junction where PCT hikers have reported otters! Expect to see some thru hikers cruising north on their way to the border. On this day we'll hike about 5.5 miles and 1100 feet gain with our light day packs. 

Day 3 – The drive home will be with traffic headed back over the pass so we’ll plan to depart camp in the morning and hike the 2 miles back to our cars. Expect to be back to the trailhead by mid-morning. Optional post-hike food stop in Roslyn to refuel. 

Special considerations

Be sure you are comfortable with the following travel and hiking conditions expected to be encountered on this trip:

Travel considerations

• Travel time from south Tacoma is roughly 3 hours.
• One area requires driving through Scatter Creek that runs over the road. See trip report photos  here and here to get a feel for what this crossing might be like later season and the photos here for some additional insight into rough and potentially muddy road conditions.
• High clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle required to navigate the creek and rough road.

hiking considerations

• This trip is ideal for backpackers that are looking for a shorter and relaxed pace trip with not a lot of gain and take time to appreciate the little things along the journey.
• Interested backpackers should watch the video here through 1:46 which will give you a feel for the drive to the trailhead, the hike to camp, and the hike to Deception Pass. Footage beyond 1:46 (to Tuck and Robin Lakes and to Marmot, Jade, and Pea Soup Lakes) is beyond what this trip will offer. 
• Consider a different trip if you prefer a faster and consistent pace. Leaders expect to stop often for photography, conversation, and to enjoy the fall colors and berries.   
• We encourage you to bring something to occupy your time if you'd rather stay at camp on the second day. Examples might include watercolors, drawing/sketching, nature journaling, reading, or some other self-reliant activity that is relaxing for you.
• Sustained rain, wind, or smoke will cancel this trip. 

MY STYLE

I prefer a more social experience and enjoy the company of others on trips. When I'm not socializing, you will probably catch me gazing at the beauty of the backcountry or taking pictures of it. I've been known to swim in alpine lakes, stand underneath waterfalls, and soak my feet in cold water after a hard day hiking. In the evenings I like to sit around the campfire or communal area and drink my tea to wind down for the night and I'm usually up early in the mornings, sometimes to watch the sunrise with a warm drink. If these sound like experiences you would enjoy, I'd love your company!

Photo credit to Jeremy Barnes, author and photographer Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide, by Nathan Barnes and Jeremy Barnes.