Spent 2 nights at Marmot lake with a day trip to Jade. This has been on my bucket list for years, and it was wellll worth the effort. We set out on Sunday, arriving at the BUSTLING Tuquala meadow trailhead around 10am. The gravel road is pretty smooth, just that one dip with water in it, which we navigated without a problem in a Subaru. I don't recommend going on a weekend, as this trailhead has been discovered and is quite a playground for the adventurous alpine lakes fans heading to Jade, Robin, Diptop and Pea Soup. Apparently everyone has discovered these true gems of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness!!! 

The first few miles of trail are flat along Hyas lake. Great spots to camp and set out a floatie if you're a new backpacker or just want a place to basecamp. Hyas is a bit boggy, but nice and expansive. After a couple of easy miles with low stream crossings, you head up some switchbacks until you intersect the Tuck and Robin trail to the right. A few more paces and you're at malfunction junction at Deception Pass where the PCT rolls through. The Marmot lake trail is signed and you head off to the left. I must say that the BERRIES WERE OUT IN FORCE and they were absolutely delicious!

The trail rolls through lovely meadows. Flowers are certainly past their prime, but some fireweed and columbine are still showing. Pass a couple of small tarns, a lovely flowing creek, and then head DOWN. Then back UP to the junction with Lake Clarice. The ascent was mostly shaded through the forest, luckily, since we were climbing in the heat of the afternoon. You pass a lovely waterfall, too! We decided to check out Lake Clarice, since my book mentioned it was worthwhile and had a campsite. The 0.8 mile spur trail was a bit overgrown, and the lake was charming, however we scouted the area and didn't find any suitable flat spots for a tent. The lakeside was sloped and overgrown. Perhaps a hammock camp could work, but we decided not to force it and headed over to Marmot as planned. The side trip added an hour and 1.6 mile, but we were still glad we got our eyeballs on yet another lake in the ALW. The final 0.5 mile to Jade is a soft forested trail that easily switchbacks up to the lakeside. We arrived around 6pm. My GPS marked the trail junction to Marmot/Clarice at 8.5 mile from the Tuquala meadow trailhead, so officially 9 miles to the first view of Marmot lake. 

I was surprised at how many hikers were out on a Sunday night. Marmot has some great campsites along the water, as well as several spots up in the trees. My preference will always be lakeside, and we scored a spot near other campsites that had easy waterfront access. I call this the 'downtown' area. With a breeze from the lake, the bugs were nearly nonexistent... although I did get a few bites after the wind died down. I'm guessing mosquitoes are still active in the wooded campsites. There are lots of social trails, berries, trees, lake access, and swimming spots along Marmot. We found a toilet, although I never saw a sign for it from the main trail. What a fun basecamp! We did see some areas where folks had left toilet paper, which is a shame. Burry it or use the toilet, please! We heard marmots singing, but didn't spot any. Clear night sky and bright moon! The air was super dry, but we did have some dew on our stuff in the morning. 

Monday we had a lakeside breakfast enjoying the placid morning at Marmot lake. We packed day packs and headed on our Jade Lake scouting mission. There aren't any signs for Jade, and I'm guessing it's because so many folks already know about it. To get there, you follow the main trail around the far side of Marmot. The trail is narrow and edgy at times, making you think you might have lost the main trail, but you haven't. There are maybe 2 small campsites at the farrrrr side of marmot. You'll cross over about 2 scree fields before you can't go any farther around the lake, and your only option is to head UP a narrow scree slope. My Gaia GPS was quite accurate for route-finding. There are some small cairns marking the way, but it really wasn't that difficult to find the route. You really can only head up, and aim for the narrowest, lowest spot at the top of the talus/scree field. Dusty boot prints are a good clue if you're unsure. Only a few sections are dicey, then you'll see a dirt path off to the left side of the scree, which will take you to the top fairly easily. The trail from Marmot to Jade is about 1.5 miles, and it took us about 90 minutes with day packs. I wouldn't love doing it with a full pack, but plenty of people do. Poles were super helpful.

After you reach the top, the trail is obvious, crossing a lovely meadow, passing by No Name lake (which has great swimming and several campsites), you catch your first glimpse of the wonderous Jade down in the next valley. 

Take the trail down to enjoy the wonderland of Jade. Plenty of social trails and campsites all around, and a little scramble to reach lakeside, where we of course jumped in the icy, emerald blue water. I guess plenty of people keep going, but my eyes were satiated and we frolicked for a few hours before heading back down for naptime at marmot. 

Tuesday we headed out around 8:30 from marmot, and made it back to the car by 2pm. What a freakin adventure! I'll add a couple of photos here, and then share a link to my Gaia GPS track and a photo album with more videos of the route. 

Three night, 4 days girls backpack trip!!

Day 1: Hiked To Hyas Lake and pushed on towards Marmot. Plenty of water sources through this first length to refill. Lots of muddy terrain right before Hyas. Bugs were a nuisance at Hyas but bearable if you kept moving, however when camping the first night at Marmot, our group made dinner and was tent bound due to mosquitoes. On a Sunday night there were still a handful of sites but we claimed one of the last, so busier than expected. Swimming was amazing and worth it! SOOO many berries along this entire hiking stretch.

Day 2: Made the rough hike to Jade Lake. Definitely unmaintained. The trail is obvious in most parts. Only difficult to find once you are in the talus/boulder fields. Looked for cairns, helped us a lot, although when coming down we used a different route/path, so there are multiple ways up. Very few spots left at Jade (Monday night). We got lucky and claimed one of the last that could see the lake from up high, but we really had to squish our 3 tents into it. Nice water source and Pika activity right next to our spot. Same day we made the hike up to Dip Top Gap, but did not go down to Pea Soup. The snow field is still very long but firmly packed so hiking up wasn't too bad. For me, poles were essential, no need for spikes or traction, there was some ice and packed snow that got slippery. Coming down we glissaded just with out shorts and had a blast although wouldn't recommend it. Bring a trash bag or pad! Swimming again was amazing and refreshing after the long up hill day, feels great in the high temps we had.

Day 3: Tuesday we packed up camp, hiked down to Marmot. More spots opened up we noticed. Had one more dip before the hike down. We took the side trail to Lake Clarice just to check it out and see if camping was possible. Trail is obviously not well traveled, very overgrown in parts. We couldn't find any obvious way to even get down to the lake once there as trees and underbrush is too thick. We found two spots that could barely fit a single person tent, so no go for our group of three. Again, berries were everywhere! We decided to hike all the way back to Hyas. Very long slog downhill. Once at Hyas we camped at the upper Lake, the first site we came across that has no Lake access but we just needed to sleep. CAUTION: Tons of bald faced hornets. So if you are allergic, find another site. They loved our tents and wouldn't stop until the sun went down.

Day 4: Made the easy hike out! Most sites at Hyas Lake were open (Wednesday). Still lots of mud. I wore my bug net on this walk back.

If you have a bug head net, definitely bring it. We also all treated out clothes beforehand with permethrin and I would 100% recommend as it worked very well and made the bugs bearable. I never got bit when wearing the pieces I treated (sun shirt and loose thin pants).

Trying to dodge wildfire smoke and excessive heat, our group of three settled on Marmot Lake as a relatively close and low-key option for our annual multi-day backpack. We left on Friday morning and after the dusty trip up NF-4330 from Salmon La Sac, we rolled into the Tucquala Meadows trailhead a little after 10. The parking areas were already filling up but we were able to snag one of the last spots. The outhouse there apparently had no TP and was quite unpleasant, so you might want to plan ahead :)

The short trail segment to Hyas Lake is unremarkable except for some of the densest and tastiest huckleberries around. We may come back just to pick! Passing Hyas, you’ll hit a few muddy spots and one puncheon bridge in the process of being rebuilt, but they’re easily navigated. The climb up to Deception Pass was tougher than I remembered, but being two weeks out from a case of Covid might have had something to do with it. Black flies were increasingly pesky and were only somewhat deterred by picaridin.

The grade gets milder after you pass the turnoff to Tuck and Robin Lakes, and pretty soon you hit the PCT – stay on it for all of about 200 feet before turning left onto the Marmot Lake trail. It continues climbing gently, crossing several streams and passing small tarns before descending again into a cliff-walled basin. The increasing heat and humidity were not welcome on the last push out of the stream valley, and some folks were struggling on the sun-exposed switchbacks through a brushy avalanche slope. Fortunately, the grade moderates and the trail runs back into forest for most of the last mile to Marmot, although mosquitoes and horseflies joined the black flies on this stretch. The trail runs by a pretty waterfall shortly before the (unsigned until after you pass it) trail fork; bear left/uphill for Marmot and right/level for Clarice.

Marmot is a good-sized lake with a good-sized camping area, but apparently it’s no match for its popularity – none of us had ever been to such a busy backcountry campground before. Don’t expect to have a spot for yourself, especially on or near a weekend. There were two, three, or even four tents to a site and larger parties were having to break up to find spots. Unfortunately, one group decided to camp on a sensitive meadow very near the toilet, which is bad form on multiple levels. Hopefully the Forest Service will post some signage to discourage this. Other than that and one unnecessarily loud early-morning departure that woke up dozens of other campers, people were friendly and observing good etiquette. We enjoyed chatting with folks from BC, Oregon, California, and even Florida as well as locals.

For this cold-water wuss, Marmot Lake was just swimmable and refreshing after the hot hike up. On the other hand, the bugs were awful – not the worst I’ve had (Lyman Lake takes that honor), but probably top three, and the mosquitoes were more than happy to bite through layers. I was kicking myself for not bringing permethrin-treated clothing. Almost everyone was chased into their tents around twilight when they became especially unbearable.

The day hike up to Jade and Dip Top Gap is a must-do and not as strenuous as I expected. The short stretch around Marmot is actually among the rougher parts of the trail, with steep rooty slopes and a few blow-downs to clamber over. Navigating the talus chutes was no big deal going up, especially given how busy the trail was, but look for cairns if you get turned around. Before long, you’ll climb into the lovely alpine meadows between Marmot and Jade. No Name Lake is surprisingly pretty and there’s a nice campsite at the far end that was empty when we came through.

However, Jade Lake is clearly the star of the show here – a liquid jewel of unearthly turquoise surrounded by dramatic cliffs that could hold its own with anything in the Canadian Rockies, and patches of wildflowers only add to the scenery score. It's one of the most gorgeous alpine lakes I’ve ever seen. But don’t expect solitude here either, as all the campsites we saw were occupied.

Bear left for the informal route to Dip Top, which climbs steadily past more campsites before making a short but steep and loose descent back to the lake – poles are very helpful here. The rest of the ascent to the gap is straightforward, with several routes up the valley, and we did not bring or need spikes on the snowfield. The view of Pea Soup Lake, Mt. Daniel and its Lynch Glacier is stunning and the bugs were much reduced up there. We stopped at the gap, but others were continuing down to Pea Soup, and one brave guy was even swimming in the glacier-fed water.

Some folks were glissading down the snowfield, but as I didn’t bring anything to slide on, I opted to plunge-step and it passed quickly. The rest of the descent was uneventful except that the unstable talus slopes take a lot more attention on the way down, and I also got a hornet sting in the woods about a half-mile out from Marmot. They were buzzing around something right on the trail in a steep section of tree roots – not sure whether it was a dead animal or other food or someone kicked into a nest, since I was past it by the time I was stung and hustled on to prevent another. Luckily it only hurt for a few minutes, but those with allergies will want to take care.

We’d planned for three nights at Marmot, but since we’d done the main day hike and were tiring of the ravenous bugs, we opted to break camp on Sunday morning and head for Lake Clarice. This short trail is obviously much less used, as it quickly gets brushy in places after the turn-off. The lake itself is pretty enough, but not as dramatic as Marmot or Jade, and there’s no obvious easy access given the shoreline is consistently steep and rocky. We also saw just a couple of small and shadeless campsites, although the bugs were maybe a little better. It wasn’t compelling enough to stay another night, so we headed down a day ahead of schedule.

We passed a good number of groups heading up and many of the Hyas Lake campsites were occupied. Unfortunately, we also caught a whiff of campfire smoke passing Hyas Lake. Please note there is a burn ban in effect for the entire Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest given the dangerously dry conditions across the region. The last thing first responders need to deal with is yet another wildfire, especially in such a busy area.

Aug 12-16

What a stupendous trip!  I had a total blast and really savored spending these few day solo in the silence and privacy of the woods!  Some ups and downs (literally) lol, but overall epic!

I had been dealing with some very severe plantar fasciitis pain in my left foot and so wasn’t sure how far/fast I’d be able to go.  Loaded up with a full talk of gas and pack of food and headed out to Cle Elem!  The road out to Tucquala Meadows Trailhead at the end of the Cle Elum Valley Road FR 4330 was a tad bumpy, but no issues at all.  The water crossing at Scatter Creek (I think) was completely dry.  When I arrived at the trailhead, there were cars parked all along the road for a good half mile and the two lots were packed with vehicles!  I figured this would be the case as I arrived nearly mid-day on a Saturday.  I drove all the way into the lots and couldn’t believe my luck, but a car was pulling out Just as I pulled in Right next to the trailhead!  I couldn’t believe it! 

                 After some organizing and eating a quick lunch, I started out.  Sadly the foot was protesting immediately and after only 10min, I was barely able to make a steady hobble speed down the trail.  So frustrating!  Well, I only made it to the far end of Hyas Lake before calling it and setting up the tent for some vitamin “I” and rest.  At least it was a beautiful sunny day with a gorgeous view!  I was weighing my options for the next day.   Decided to get plenty of rest and then see how the dang foot was in the morning. 

                Sunday am, I woke up bright and early and the foot seemed okay, so I decided to just go super slow and see what happened.  So glad I did! Felt very stiff and a bit sore up to Deception Pass, but then kept improving more and more on my way up to Tuck Lake and by the time I reached Robin Lakes I had no pain at all!  I really have no idea why-was about to throw in the towel down at Hyas and go home, but took my time and felt great! 

                I set up camp in a perfect little patch of trees for shade at the upper lake and because I still had plenty of day light and energy, decided to go for the loop up to Granite Mountain!  The boot path between the lakes wasted no time gaining elevation so the views improved very quickly.  The only tricky bit was down climbing some shifty sandy rocks to the saddle before heading back up again to Granite.  Took my time for careful stepping and before I knew it, was standing on top of Granite Mountain enjoying perfect weather and 360 views!!  I soaked in the sun and views and realized that I was sitting in a swarm of Ladybugs!  Thousands of them landing on me and swirling all over the peak.  Really beautiful.  I had the summit to myself the whole time-super magical moment. 

                On the way down from Granite Mt., I decided to take the other option around the lake to complete the loop.  This trail was gorgeous, heading through many mini alpine meadows and offering countless peek-a-boo views of the Robin Lakes!  Highly recommended.  Back at the tent it was time to soak the feet, get into sleepy outfit, and eat some well-deserved dinner.  The weather was clear, warm, and stunning!  I watched as the sun slowly shifted the colors all across the sky and took some stunning shots!  The night sky was respondent with starts and the milky way, WOW!

                The next morning dawned clear and epically beautiful!  Foot felt surprisingly good, so I got packed up and was moving my 6:30am.  Cruised down to Tuck Lake and then took some careful steps going back down to the junction near Deception Pass.  Next the trail to Marmot Lake/Clarice Lake junction was beautiful with meadows and patch of trees and ridges.  The trail dropped down and back up more than I expected and, in the heat, I got my work out in for sure!  I’d been aiming to camp at Clarice Lake that night, so hung a right at the junction and sadly found no good tent site at the steep sided rocky lake.  There was one possible spot next to the out flow of the reedy pond before the actual lake, but not really what I was looking for.  So after a good lunch, I decided to head up to Marmot Lake for the night instead!  Found a great spot right by the lake and set up for a very nice relaxed evening watching the light change and a good dinner. 

                Next morning was yet another perfect day weather wise and I was up and moving fairly early off to Jade Lake!  The trail/path along the eastern shore of Marmot Lake was a bit ragged, with a couple social trail options, but not hard to follow.  Next followed the rocks up to No Name Lake and WOW!  The views in that little valley were stunning!  I really enjoyed that stretch of trail!  Maybe some other time, I’ll come here to camp at No Name Lake and spend some time exploring this little basin!  As I dropped down to Jade Lake, the sun was just starting to shine onto the walls of the Jade Lake basin and color the cliffs!  I skirted around Jade and down a short gravelly hillside and into the couloir on the south end up Jade.  I picked my way up the rocks till about 5,900ft where I hit snow.  I didn’t have spikes or axe or anything with me this trip, so called it there as I was traveling solo and just sat and soaked in the views, the silence, and a scrumptious meal. 

                I was loathe to abandon my viewpoint, but time was pressing so headed back down the trail back to camp at Marmot Lake.  After packing up, I was aiming for a small camp spot I’d seen by a stream about 0.5miles before the Deception Pass trail junction.  Sadly, by the time I’d arrived, there was already a family camped there.  I continued down the trail, passed the junction, and ended up jumping on the Tuck/Robin Lakes trail again and camped at the nameless but well flowing creak a couple hundred fret along the trail.  By now the weather was HOT somewhere around 85F or 90F and so I was very content to set up camp and just soak my feet and nap in the shade till evening.  The following day was bittersweet as the last day on trail this week.  Was in no hurry packing up as the morning felt fresh and beautiful! 

                Rejoined the trail down to Hyas lakes and before I knew it, was back to my car @ Tucquala Meadows Trailhead!  Was a fabulous trip full of spectacular views, epic weather, and peaceful moments with time to ponder. 

I hiked the Deception Creek Trail to Clarice Lake as part of a group of 8 wonderful people for a WTA Backcountry Response Team work party.  The road to the Deception Creek TH is pretty bad, I had to drive less than 10 MPH and often less than 5MPH over the numerous potholes and exposed rocks in my sedan. The Scatter Creek ford isn't deep, maybe 4-5 inches of water, but there are pits on both sides of the concrete ford, and the bottom of the ford has a layer of river rocks. I took it slow and did not bottom out my sedan with it's 7 inches of clearance. At 8:30 AM on a Tuesday the parking area was around 1/3 full. Fish Lake (more of a river in a wide marsh) near the trailhead is beautiful in it's own right, with meadows and views of Cathedral peak, and the trail along Hyas lake is lovely as well. Other than a few step-over logs and a muddy place or two, the Deception Creek Trail is in good shape. We camped at Hozzbizz lake, in a cirque 1.5 miles from the PCT junction at Deception Pass. Its a small, shallow lake surrounded by meadows, in a big rock cirque. For the next two days we did trail work between Hozzbizz lake and Clarice lake. The Marmot lake trail is not bad, we cleared a few blowdowns (not all, there are still some left), large rocks that fell on the trail, and a lot of brush. From the turnoff to Marmot lake the trail to Clarice lake was in bad shape, we cleared brush, fixed some tread and reopened the completely overgrown trail the 1/2 mile just below Lake Clarice. A previous trip report stated that Clarice lake is filled with plants, that is not actually Clarice lake, that pond is below the lake. I can see why they could not find the actual lake, the trail was obscured. Clarice Lake is a lovely round and deep lake in steep cliffs and scree. You have to cross the outlet to the plant-filled pond and then turn left, you'll find the cleared trail in about 20 or 30 feet from the outlet. I did notice one camp spot on the rocky area overlooking Clarice lake at the trail end. There may be other flat areas near the outlet, we didn't have time to explore. If you want solitude, this would be the place to find it. If you feel inclined to help keep the trail open, bring along some garden clippers and finish up the brushing we didn't get to do, just after the plant filled pond. That would be awesome!