You’d think if the weather called for partly cloudy in the morning and clearing up in the afternoon in Cle Elum, it “might” translate to this area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. Nah. Was shrouded in clouds majority of the time and Robin Lake was completely socked in, but still this was one of those hikes where it was still enjoyable with the views obscured. Just the right amount of adventure and scrambling towards the end to make it interesting.
The road up to the start of Deception Pass trail (Tucquala Meadows TH) was rough, but doable in my sedan as long as took it slow. There was some water mildly flooding the road at one point, but could drive through the edges of it fine.
Go through forest and pass Hyas Lake and Little Hyas Lake to the left. Then trail steepens and can be a little slippery with rocks going up to Tuck Lake. Path is easy to follow though. Once arrive at Tuck Lake, it was a little challenge to find the “log jam” was supposed to cross on the way to Robin Lake. This was my first hike to use GPS and it was useful to keep me on track. The trail is faint and not obvious towards the log jam but you’ll eventually find it. If you start going down to the little Tucks Pot pond, you’ve gone too far.
Once over the log jam, the trail gets more fun with scrambling and going up steep granite. I didn’t use poles and felt more comfortable (as I usually do) with getting low to the ground and using my hands. Cairns along the route are mostly reliable and I was able to follow them despite being socked in with clouds, but still be careful. Marmots abound the higher you go. I can see why they call this area a "Little Enchantments". I arrived at Robin Lake hoping the clouds would’ve burned off by then, but nope. I puttered around a bit, ate a sandwich, and eventually went back the way I came.
Disappointing could not see Robin Lake in it’s fully glory as recent trip reports show how beautiful it is. Will have to do it again and I’ll be more confident on the route then.
Start Tucquala Meadows TH: 940 AM
Tuck Lake: 1220 PM
Robin Lake: 155 PM
End: 550 PM
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