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Kelcema Lake

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
48.1154, -121.5924 Map & Directions
Length
1.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
29 feet
Highest Point
3,040 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
Families love Kelcema Lake. Photo by JulieP. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Saved to My Backpack

This short hike to a lake in the Boulder River Wilderness is a great trail for families. Continue reading

Rating
4.10 out of 5

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Hiking Kelcema Lake

This short lake trail feels a little different than many of its cousins on the Mountain Loop. It is a great place to cool off on a warm day. Or camp at one of the sites near the lake for your family's first overnight adventure.

This hike starts out in a marshy meadow that will welcome you with an amazing flower show early season. Then as the trail bends into the trees it takes on a unique feeling. Thanks to the exposed glacial bedrock you feel like you are exploring among the Alaskan Cedars on a stone path laid especially for your family.

In roughly half mile, just after a small incline, there will be a viewpoint on your left. Here you can admire the outflow of the lake, while the bedrock has broken up you can still see how this glacier rock was once a large intact piece of earth. After appreciating the geologic history continue down the path and you will reach the lake in minutes.

Spend the day exploring along the lake shore and playing in the water. This old Boy Scout camp has a number of camping sites and a backcountry toilet.

Hike Description Written by
Kindra Ramos, WTA Staff

Kelcema Lake

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.1154, -121.5924 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From the Verlot ranger station continue 12 miles and take a left onto Deer Lake Road. Drive the road (FR 4052) for just over 4 miles to the trailhead.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Kelcema Lake (#718)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades (Burton & Spring - Mountaineers Books)

Green Trails No. 110 Silverton

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Kelcema Lake

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