When I started off on my two-night trip along the West Fork Foss Lakes trail with the intention of staying a night at Big Heart Lake, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I hadn’t heard much about this trail, and no one I knew had ever backpacked it before. It felt like a hidden gem, and everyone we passed on the trail was in on the secret.

This hidden valley through the mountains of Washington State felt like a dream. Every twist and turn of the hike was beautiful. The West Fork Foss Trail is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and offers so much more than alpine lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. This trail is enchanting.

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 in search of an alpine swim.

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

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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, such as Azure Lake, Angeline Lake, or Little Chetwoot Lake, you are highly encouraged to bring a GPS Device and have some route-finding experience.

Know Before You Go

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 on how to reach the trailhead, permits, and weather considerations.

Getting to West Fork Foss Lakes 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. The West Fork Trailhead is just past the Necklace Valley Trailhead.

Parking is available at the trailhead, but you must 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.

The Forest Service Road is in good condition and any vehicle will have no problem getting to the west fork lake trail head.

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. If you do not have a Northwest Forest Pass, you can also use an America the Beautiful Pass.

Overnight camping along the trail requires a backcountry permit. These permits are self-issued for day AND overnight use. These permits are obtained at the trailheads. When you get to the trailhead, you’ll find a box full of self-issued permits. Fill out both the top and bottom portions. You will attach the top portion to your backpack and 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

Access to the West Fork Foss Lakes varies 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 the latest information on trail conditions, closures, and 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.

When I hiked this in July, there was still snow melting in small patches on the mountains, which made for marshy conditions at some of the campsites. Mosquitoes were definitely an issue.

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(the first lake of the trail), which is only a couple of 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 for the first half mile. 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 by. 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 mosquitoes began coming out, so we decided it was best to stay in the tent with our dog. 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.

NOTE: One of the luxury items I have started bringing on the trail with me is a Thermacell Mosquito Shield. They’re incredibly lightweight and work like a dream.

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 will 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 more campsites on the way out between Little Heart and Copper, but none had 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 the main trail. This is the perfect way to shorten the distance between campsites but increase the number 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

Packing List for Backpacking West Fork Foss Lakes Trail

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 help choosing gear you might need. 

This list includes some gear I wouldn’t hike this trail without.

1. Mosquito Repellent: This trail has plenty of standing water and patches of snow that are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. I would pack mosquito spray or a Thermacell.
2. Towel: You will at least want to dip your toes into the lakes, so bringing a lightweight towel is recommended. I went completely in a few of the lakes and would highly recommend.
3. GPS Device: Especially if you plan on hiking a rudimentary trail to some of the surrounding lakes, you’ll want a means of communication. I always bring my Garmin InReach.
4. Sandals/Camp Shoes: There is a river crossing where removing your footwear is recommended. I always bring my Tevas for hiking and around camp.
5. Bear Canister: Bears are active in this area, so bear-safe food storage is a requirement for sleeping in the backcountry here. I like the Bear Vault bear cans.
6. Hiking Poles: This is a pretty rocky trail with an occasional steep grade. Trekking poles will come in handy.
7. Water Filter: The water on this trail is extremely pure, but you’ll still want to filter it. Since water is plentiful, you could probably opt for a filtering water bottle instead of a full filtering setup.

Related Read: Best Filtering Water Bottles for Backpacking

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 several 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.

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You might also like…

There are so many incredible trails in the Central Cascades and the surrounding area. Here are some of my favorites.

• Hiking Guide to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
• Day Hiking Blanca Lake
• Overnight on Cady Ridge along the PCT

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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. 

If you’re headed back to the Seattle area after your hike, I would recommend stopping at Good Brewing Company in Sultan!

Happy Backpacking!