One of the largest and easiest to hike to bodies of water within the sprawling 393,360-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Lake Dorothy is not for the solitude seeker. Expect scores of first-time hikers, neophyte backpackers, and fledgling anglers scurrying about the shores of this almost 2-mile-long sparkling lake. If it's a real wilderness experience you seek, and a satisfying day-long hike as well, push farther to the twin lakes of Bear and Deer.

Surrounded by virgin forest centuries old and shiny rocky ledges scoured by ancient ice flows, Lake Dorothy would still be a popular destination if the hike were twice as long. Unfortunately, the short distance that makes this lake an ideal destination for children and those not quite yet in shape, also invites visitors unenlightened about Leave No Trace principles and the idea of walking lightly on the land. Do your part to help minimize negative impacts on this special place.

The over-built trail takes off into primeval timber and in little time enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail soon comes upon cascading Camp Robber Creek, following it for a bit before crossing it on a sturdy bridge. Here, among polished granite slabs, the creek plunges into a deep pool-an inviting spot on a hot afternoon. The trail then begins to climb more steeply. Reconstructed from the washed out track it replaced, the new trail is an improvement, but the steps are very high. Near the lake's outlet, a day use trail continues straight to the outlet and lakeshore, reaching the long lake's littered-with-logs outlet (elev. 3060 ft) at 1.8 miles.

This short and easy hike wasn't always this way. Back in the 1950s the trip to Dorothy required an all-day trek on trail up the East Fork Miller River valley. But by the 1960s the Forest Service (the same agency that converted many of our old-growth forests into "managed" woodlots) converted most of that trail to road. In fact, the bureaucrats were intent on punching the road all the way to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, creating a Lake Dorothy Highway. Good grief! Fortunately, the creation of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the 1970s permanently put a halt to that scheme, keeping Dorothy and her aquatic neighbors in the backcountry, where they rightfully belong.

If you want to visit those neighbors, carry on. The trail uplake switchbacks up to the left. Continue on good albeit at times rocky trail for nearly 2 miles along Dorothy's eastern shoreline. Pass backcountry campsites, lounging ledges, and plenty of scenic spots along the way. At the south end of the lake the trail turns west, crossing a tumbling inlet creek. The bridge across this creek is out. If your balance is good you can hop rocks across this wide stream. Otherwise it requires a chilly ford. Beyond, the trail follows the lake shore for awhile before ascending 750 steep and rocky feet up a forested ridge dividing the Skykomish and Snoqualmie watersheds.

At 4.75 miles from the trailhead, reach a 3800-foot gap in the ridge. Pause for huckleberries and viewing down to island-dotted Dorothy. Then continue on your way, dropping about 200 feet and reaching Bear Lake (elev. 3610 ft) in about a half mile. Its nearly identical rounded twin, Deer Lake (elev. 3583 ft), is easily reached by walking another half mile of trail. The lakes are ringed with old forest and there's nary another human soul to be found.