We had a wonderful time camping and exploring Alta State Park this weekend!
The hike itself is lovely. We started at the trailhead that is adjacent to the group campsite. You should see it on your righthand side after you pass the day use area for the park. There are two trailhead markers here, but note that one is next to a sign saying that the fire road is closed. Choose the one that leads up the single track trail. The closest bathrooms are located across the road from this trailhead in the campground.
As the Hiking Guide and others have described, the trail is steep and punchy, but relatively short in overall length. Trail conditions are mostly good, but loose and seeing some erosion towards the top. I found trekking poles to be very helpful. There are fantastic views of Alta Lake, the Columbia River, and the surrounding valleys and plateaus along most of the hike. The balsamroot is pretty much done at this point, but lots of lupine is still blooming.
Beware of ticks! My husband pulled one off his leg after walking around the park yesterday.
One of my favorite parts of this state park, outside of the hike, was the incredible amount of birds! If you're into birding, definitely take some time to walk along the lake after or before your hike. I added five new birds to my life list this weekend: Red-necked Grebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Rudy Duck, Calliope Hummingbird, and the Lewis's Woodpecker. I also spotted lots of Red-winged Blackbirds, Pine Siskins, American Robins, Mourning Doves, California Quail, Ravens, Brown-headed Cowbirds, a Bullock's Oriole, Brewer's Blackbirds, Black-header Grosbeaks, Say's Phoebes, a Spotted Towhee, Tree Swallows, a pair of Wood Ducks, American Coots, and an Eastern Kingbird. It was one of my best birding weekends in a long time and it was totally unexpected.
Overall, I loved this state park and was impressed by how well taken care of the campsites are, the beauty of the lake, and the amount of birds. It was a great alternative to driving further up the Methow Valley like we typically do. The bakery in Pateros was a nice stop on the way home, too, offering Blue Star Coffee, yummy pastries, sandwiches and pizza.
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