The road to the trailhead of Cathedral Mountain and Deception Pass (aka, a whole mess of trails) is in very good condition. It had some washboarding, but easily accessible to any vehicle.
Several campsites are available along Big Hyas, and a nice "group site" sits mid Little Hyas. About 3/4 of a mile or so has another really nice campsite along a dry creekbed (or at least dry late summer). Just below the intersection of Tuck and Robin Lakes has another really nice campsite alongside the creek. Watch for vespids - the yellow jackets are really active now in early fall -we saw MANY ground nests, and they hassled us at our campsite during every meal, and they REALLY liked the dog food. My dog got stung at least twice when he kept snapping at the 'jackets.
The trail to Big Hyas Lake is in great shape. It gets a bit rough in places as it winds up to Little Hyas, but after that, it does get steeper and rougher, but not extra ordinary in the outback.
But. Oh but... at the intersection of Tuck Lake and Deception Pass, the first couple hundred yards are soft duff, lovely, awesome trail. The trail turns east, and immediately steepens to a "you have got to be kidding" pitch. The trail as it climbs stays relentless as it rises along the shoulder of Granite Peak. Just when you think the trail should give and ease a bit, a few hundred yards from the top, it gets not only steeper, but it turns into an uphill Parkour course. Big dirt covered rocks, tall steps, dusty trail, and rolly rock fill the tread as you continue to climb to the break that will drop back down to Tuck Lake.
But along the way, hikers get treated to world class views of Hyas Lakes below, and ever opening views of Cathedral Peak, Mt. Hinman, and Mt. Daniels. Look for the PCT as you hike along. Look for the clear trail that drops down and crosses the impressive Mt. Daniels creek.
Lake Tuck is a worthy goal for a tough ascent. The 1000' feet in a mile effort is rewarded with an eye-popping alpine bowl. The north end of the lake has a small "beach" with a bit of seating for the weary.
As we sat and caught our breath, as mere day hikers, several intrepid backpackers continued along the cliffs that line the lake on the west on their traverse to Robin Lake, another mile and 1000' more feet of gain. And we learned that with a bit more effort, the summit of Granite Peak is above Robin Lakes for an amazing view. It was nearly a relief to see 20- somethings questioning their life decisions of dragging their full packs up such an intense grade after the time and sweat we paid on just a day hike.
We enjoyed watching fish jump clean out of the water, and a beaver swam from a tiny rock island back toward the western edge of the lake. People have carved camping sites dotting around the lake.
We did not travel the extra distance to Tuck Pot, where the lakes' outlet drained down the steep mountainside. Other hikers reported the views just don't stop along the way.
Short story long, Tuck Lake, and by dint Robin Lakes, are worthy goals if you don't mind some hard work, sweat, world class views, and huge rewards.
#FirstTripReport
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