Charlia Lakes Way Trail — Monday, Jul. 8, 2024

I arrived at the Big Quilcene river TH around 8AM Monday morning knowing it would be a scorcher that day. My pup Jack and I made good time to camp Mystery by about 1030 where some folks were still packing up. Had a nice early lunch at a campsite I had stayed at a few times tucked away in the shade. We pressed on to Marmot Pass and took in some awesome views across the Puget Sound. Made our way down to Boulder camp and spent about an hour relaxing by the creek that flows through there. Feeling energized after our rest and knowing we had at plenty of daylight left we started the real push up to Charlia Lakes. And what a push it was, once you climb to the top of the saddle looking down at the first/smaller of Charlia Lakes it is very steep heading down. Luckily there was a little snow patch for Jack to eat and slide on, he loved it. We were so beat once reaching the first lake that camp was made quickly there. Mosquitoes were fierce, made dinner and laid down to rest. The next day was supposed to be just as hot so I set my alarm for 4AM. Stars were spectacular at night. Left the lake the next morning at 430 and it was tough getting out of the lake basin and back down to boulder camp but I was so glad to be out before the sun had totally come out. Once back at Marmot we mostly cruised back down the trail stopping for water a few times. Back at the car by 9AM. I’d love to make it back out to these lakes once the heat dies down a bit, still want to see the lower/bigger lake. Until next time!