Tuck and Robin Lakes — Friday, Aug. 28, 2020

This is a challenging hike that felt great to complete, but is not for everyone. I'd recommend it to only those who are in good condition and have a decent amount hiking experience, as a wrong turn or lack of preparedness could be downright dangerous. 

Summary:

Day 1: Trail head to Tuck Lake to camp overnight (~2 hrs 45 min)

Day 2: Tuck Lake to Robin Lakes to camp overnight (~2 hrs 30 min)

Day 3: Robin Lakes to trail head (~4 hrs 20 min)

Day 1:

- Started ~4:30 PM on Deception Pass Trail towards Hyas Lake

- The ~1.5 mi trail to Hyas Lake is a very pleasant stroll...think 'walk in the park' until path starts to break away from lake and starts its gradual climb towards Deception Pass

- Approx. 2.5 miles in, switchbacks start and grade increases steadily

- At around 4.3 miles in, come to a signed junction where trail to Robin Lakes breaks off from Deception Pass Trail. At this point, there's a gradual descent for ~1/2 mile before the trail picks back up and the ascent really begins with a steep and steady rise towards Tuck Lake

- About halfway up to Tuck Lake, Cathedral Rock and Daniel's Peak come into clear view and the sights only get better from here

- Trail up to Tuck Lake is pretty rugged and was slow-moving for us. Reminded me of the old trail to Mailbox, except a little harder with a pack :). Fortunately, it's well traveled and therefore very easy to navigate

- Arrived to Tuck Lake around 7:15 PM, hungry and eager to find a spot to pitch our tent. Found ourselves slightly frustrated by the slight difficulty we had 1) navigating the trail around Tuck Lake and 2) finding a spot ...  

- Upon arriving to Tuck Lake, our path took us up to a large, exposed rock face before descending again around the lake. We spent ~30-40 minutes looking for campsite before eventually finding a great spot hidden in trees along steep boot path near log jam

Day 2:

- Next morning, headed out to Robin Lakes around 9:30 AM

- At the direction of a helpful trip report, ascended via the boulder field near the log jam, which eventually opens up to a pretty meadow packed with huckleberries

- Trail winds to left, but not before treating you to great views of Hyas Lake and Cathedral Rock towering above

- From here, the trail becomes more challenging as you're forced to navigate by way of cairns over boulder fields ... be very careful to pay attention to the direction you take up, as this will be helpful on your way down. The best part about this section were the huckleberries, which were prime for picking and helped distract from the grind :) 

- Arrived at Robin Lakes around 12 PM - simply stunning! It was a little too cold to tempt us, but these lakes look like prime swimming spots on 80+ degree days

- Refueled with some lunch and began our search for a spot to camp, which eventually took us to the ridge between the upper and middle lake. We ended up passing by someone who was packing up their site, which allowed us to snag a pretty epic spot that treated us to some pretty stellar sunset and sunrise views (though this spot was quite dusty and windy)

- Took trail around the upper lake and discovered more huckleberries, great camping spots, and a small pond. Got the impression that the majority of people don't navigate this way around, which made the find extra sweet

Day 3:

- Started our way down from Robin Lakes on Sunday morning around 7:40 AM and arrived to parking lot just over 4 hours later at ~12 noon.