- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, Camping & Backpacking
Ultimate West Fork Foss Lakes Backpacking Guide
The rugged allure of the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail and the pristine beauty of Big Heart Lake make backpacking in this corner of Washington State an adventure worth pursuing. The West Fork Foss Trail is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and offers a captivating journey through alpine splendor, enchanting waterfalls, and breathtaking views. As a passionate Pacific Northwest hiker, I can confidently say that the West Fork Foss Trail is among the most remarkable trails I have ever hiked.
While you will come across a decent number of people on the trail, many of them will be day hikers enjoying the gorgeous lakes along the trail.
In this guide, we will delve into how to access the wonders of this trail, with a particular focus on Big Heart Lake. If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, meaning I could earn a small commission at no cost. Thanks in advance!
Trail Guide to West Fork Foss Lakes & Big Heart Lake
The route for this trail is extremely straightforward and well-marked. If you’re new to backpacking or have little experience with route finding, that will not be an issue on this trail!
However, if you will be exploring some of the lakes beyond Big Heart Lake, like Azure Lake, Angeline Lake, or Little Chetwoot Lake, you are highly encouraged to bring a GPS Device and have route-finding experience.
General West Fork Foss Lakes Trail Information
Before heading out to the trail, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip! This section covers important information about how to get to the trailhead, permits, and weather considerations.
Length: 14.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,700 ft
Trail Type: Out and Back
Time: Overnight
Difficulty: Strenuous
Permit/Pass: Northwest Forest Pass & Overnight Permit Required
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Backcountry Toilets?: Yes – at most lakes en route
Location of Trailhead
The West Fork Foss Lakes trailhead is conveniently located near Skykomish, Washington, making it easily accessible for local hikers and visitors. To reach the trailhead, follow Highway 2 east from Skykomish until you reach the town of Baring. From Baring, turn onto (Foss River Road)Forest Road 68 and continue for approximately 12 miles until you reach the trailhead. Look for the signage indicating the West Fork trailhead.
Parking is available at the trail head, but it’s essential to obtain the required permits before embarking on your backpacking adventure. When I completed the trail, I started on a Saturday Morning and there was plenty of parking around 7 am.
Permits and Regulations
Before setting foot on the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, it’s important to be aware of the permits and regulations in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. This can be obtained in advance from REI or most ranger stations.
Additionally, overnight camping along the trail requires a permit. These permits are self-issued for day AND overnight use. These permits are obtained at the trailheads. When you get to the trailhead, there will be a box full of self-issued permits. Fill out both the top and bottom portion. You will attach the top portion to your backpack, and you will deposit the bottom into the box. Make sure you have a pen! We needed to borrow one from a fellow backpacker since there wasn’t one in the box.
For more information, you can contact the Skykomish Ranger District office.
Seasonal Considerations
The accessibility of the West Fork Foss Lakes changes seasonally. Generally, the trail is accessible from late spring to early fall, May to October. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the exact opening and closing dates may vary depending on snowmelt and trail conditions. If it is a big snow year, it is very likely that the trail will not be accessible until well into June.
Check with a local ranger station or park authorities for current information on trail conditions, closures, and any other pertinent updates.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of the general location of the trailhead, permits, and regulations, as well as all seasonal considerations, you’ll be well-prepared to access the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail and embark on your unforgettable backpacking journey.
Backpacking West Fork Foss Lakes Trail
West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is known for being a fantastic backpacking trail because of its variability. While many people make their final destination, Big Heart Lake, first time backpackers and families with small children will do shorter backpacking trips to Trout Lake(first lake of the trail), which is only a couple miles into the trail.
Day 1: Little Heart Lake
Stats: 6.8 miles – 2,700ft gain – 4.5 hours
The road to the trailhead, while dirt, was in fantastic shape. There were a few potholes, but they were manageable for any vehicle. Arriving at the trailhead around 8:30 a.m., there were about 20 cars in the lot and many people gearing up for their backpacking trip. After gathering gear and our dog, Meatball, we set out on the trail!
The first 0.6 miles winds through a fern forest. The incline is gradual, and there are gorgeous views of the West Fork Foss River. Once reaching the sturdy bridge across the river, the incline steepened, and exposure to the sun increased. Trail switchbacks will be common from this point forward.
Check Out Another Amazing Backpacking Trip Next: Enchanted Valley
The forest has immaculate trees. Large hemlocks that not only tower over you, but are wider than your arms stretched. With each step for the next 4.0 miles, the incline will steepen. However, the views of the area are increasingly gorgeous.
The collection of switchbacks switches off between shaded and full sun. We definitely took advantage of the shaded parts. Once Malachite Falls is in view, the initial journey upwards is about halfway done. There’s a beautiful footbridge 5.0 miles in that’s great for filling up water and taking a few pictures.
There is a short side trek to Lake Malachite before reaching Copper Lake. It is a great spot to stop if you’re looking for a shorter backpacking trip or trying to avoid crowds. There are camp sites on the east side of the lake.
Continuing on a half mile, it’s a short trek up to Copper Lake. There’s a rather wide stream that requires crossing. This is the outlet of Copper Lake that connects to Lake Malachite. There are enough large rocks to jump to that you won’t have to put your feet in the water. The lake is pristine. Brilliant blue water with a spectacular rocky backdrop and waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs. Many people were stopping here to set up camp or take a quick dip in the lake. While one of the biggest lakes on the trail, campsites were extremely limited. Most of the available campsites were right on the trail.
Eventually reaching Little Heart Lake, the trail to get to the campsite is unmarked and easy to pass. A couple of the sites were still covered in snow, but we found the perfect spot to set up camp.
Camping at Little Heart Lake
At around 4 pm, biting flies and mosquitos began coming out, and with our dog, we decided it was best that we stay in the tent. So, after a quick and cold dip in the lake, we posted up in the tent to avoid the relentless swarms of bugs. We drank boxed wine and had a lovely evening inside the tent.
There is a backcountry toilet at this lake a little further from the trail, but it was still covered in snow when we were backpacking.
There was one other couple at the campsite, but they were far enough away that we did not see or hear them.
Day 2: Big Heart Lake
Stats: 4.0 miles – 1,400ft gain – 2.5 hours
The next day we decided to day hike to Big Heart Lake and leave our gear behind. Right away there is about 1,000 ft of elevation gain in the first mile to the lake. The views are immaculate. As you climb, you will begin to see the terrain in a new light, you see Trout Lake from an aerial view and, on a clear day, Mount Baker.
After 1,000 ft of gain, you’ll hear Big Heart Falls in the distance and catch glimpses of it in between trees. Now, it is time for the descent. You will lose elevation to get down to the lake with a collection of switchbacks. With the lake in sight, you’ll see picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding the water. As you walk into the basin, the trail leads you along the lake until you reach a log jam of fallen trees. This is part of the trail. Walk across the logs to reach the campsites and enjoy your time at the lake.
The log jam covers the Big Heart Lake Outlet and provides a great view of the mountain valley surrounding the lake! There are two backcountry toilets at Big Heart Lake, which are a giant plus for anyone who is camping overnight at the lake.
We opted to hike back after enjoying a small lunch overlooking the lake. The hike back was quick, and before we knew it, we were greeted at Little Heart Camp with more swarms of biting flies. At that point, we decided to cut our trip short by a day and hike out.
Hiking Out
Stats: 6.8 miles – 2,700ft loss – 4.0 hours
The hike out was quick all things considered. With infrequent breaks, we stopped briefly at Copper Lake and decided that this lake was the most beautiful of all the lakes that we saw on the trail. The only lake we did not see was Malachite Lake. If we had stayed that extra day, we had planned on hiking to it on the way out.
We saw some more campsites on the way out in between Little Heart and Copper, but they did not have any lake views. But it’s good to know that they were there in case the lakeside sites were extremely busy.
Many people were hiking in with fishing poles and the sites that were occupied on the way in were now empty. We passed very few people hiking in while we were hiking out. When we eventually got back to the trailhead, the parking lot had half as many cars in it as when we arrived the previous day.
Suggested Itineraries
If you’re planning your backpacking trip to West Fork Foss Lakes but aren’t sure how many days you should spend on the trail and where you should camp, here are a couple of suggested itineraries with various time commitments(and side trips)!
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the best areas for backpacking because there are so many unique places to camp. You’re bound to have a great time regardless of your itinerary!
One Night Trip
For a single-night backpacking trip, there are plenty of options!
Camp at Little Heart Lake or the shore of Copper Lake
Side Trip: Hike to Big Heart Lake after Setting Up Camp!
Two Night Trip
A two-night backpacking trip is the ideal amount of time for this trail.
First Night: Copper Lake or Little Heart Lake
Second Night: Big Heart Lake
Side Trip: Lake Angeline on Day 2, hike out the following day
Three Night Trip
A three-night backpacking trip is a great way to explore the different lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness off of the main trail. This is the perfect way to shorten the distance between campsites but increase the amount of different lakes you see along the way.
First Night: Trout Lake (this is perfect if you’re starting later in the day) or Lake Malachite
Second Night: Big Heart Lake or Chetwoot Lake
Side Trip: Otter Lake or Azurite Lake
Third Night: Big Heart Lake or Copper Lake
Following Day: Long day hike out from Big Heart Lake
What to Bring Backpacking
This list is based on the 2 day, 1 night West Fork Foss Lakes Trail. Curate this list accordingly depending on how long you’re taking to complete this trail, the time of year, and your specific needs.
For more details on what to pack, check out my Backpacking Essentials for assistance in choosing gear that you might need.
Any asterisked items (*) are optional but recommended.
Gear
Clothing
Athletic Shorts, Leggings, or Pants
Sunshirt
Sports Bra
Pairs of Socks
Underwear
Down Coat
Raincoat
Swimsuit *
Camp Sandals
Toiletries
Accessories
Buff*
Gaiters*
Sunglasses
Hat
Bug Face Net
Camera (+ Extra Battery)
External Battery
Safety & First Aid
Food per Day
Coffee/Morning Electrolytes
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about backpacking the West Fork Foss Lakes/Big Heart Lake Backpacking Trail!
What is the elevation of Big Heart Lake?
Big Heart Lake along the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is at an elevation of 4,550 feet. To get to the lake, you will need to hike up 4,100 feet of elevation.
Can you fish along the West FOrk Foss Lakes Trail?
The West Fork Foss Lakes are filled with fish and are excellent places to bring your backpacking fishing pole. Many people will hike into Trout Lake for the day just to fish, while other people will spend a couple of days in the backcountry fishing out of Copper Lake and Big Heart Lake.
Are there bathrooms at Big Heart Lake?
There are two backcountry toilets at Big Heart Lake, one at Little Heart Lake, and two at Trout Lake. There is also a pit toilet at the West Fork Foss River trailhead!
Can you stay overnight at Big Heart Lake?
Yes! Big Heart Lake is an excellent overnight destination in the Pacific Northwest. There are plenty of campsites that skirt along the North ridge of the trail and along the lower route of Atrium Peak.
If you have any other questions about backpacking the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, drop your comments below, and I will be happy to help answer them!
Should West Fork Foss Lakes be a 100 Classic of WA?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should West Fork Foss Lakes be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Backpacking to Big Heart Lake is a popular trail for a number of reasons. The gorgeous blue lakes, stunning mountain peaks, and a variety of routes, to name a few. I was blown away by how much I loved this backpacking trip, even if we were eaten alive by mosquitoes. One of the things I loved about this trail was that I could just pack my filtering water bottle instead of a large water bladder because there was lots of water access.
This is a nice trail for anyone who is looking to create their own itinerary because, with the vast number of lakes along the official trail, you can really stop anywhere and make an overnight trip out of it as long as there are established sites.
This is definitely a trail I would like to complete again and is already a favorite recommendation of mine for anyone looking to get out on a backpacking trip in Washington State.
Let me know in the comments if you think West Fork Foss Lakes should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
If you’d like to complete your own 100 Classic Hikes journey, you can purchase the book here.
Pack It Up
Backpacking in Washington State is one of my favorite activities, and that is because there are so many gorgeous trails to pick from, West Fork Foss Lakes is one of them.
This trail is such a fun adventure with bridge crossings, beautiful lakes to swim in, and captivating waterfalls. You will have a wonderful time wherever you decide to stop on your backpacking trip along this trail.
Some of my other favorite trails in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie area include Blanca Lake, Benchmark Mountain, and Little Giant Pass.
Happy Backpacking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
