Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Nature reserve in Chelan County, Washington, United States.
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a nature reserve in Washington's Cascade Range, extending across mountainous terrain with more than 700 glacial lakes scattered throughout. The landscape features varied elevations and distinct ecological zones shaped by ancient glacier activity.
Congress established this area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1976. That designation followed decades of conservation work beginning in 1946 to protect the mountain landscape from industrial development.
Indigenous peoples of the region used these mountain lands for hunting and gathering across generations, particularly moving through the valleys and passes. That ancestral bond to the place still echoes in the names and stories shared by local communities today.
Hikers need permits for camping and backpacking in certain zones, especially the Enchantments area, where you must apply several months ahead. Planning early and checking local regulations before your trip will help you avoid disappointment.
The wilderness provides headwaters for four major rivers: the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Wenatchee, and Yakima, supplying water systems across the region. This hidden role as a water source is often overlooked by visitors focused on the mountains themselves.
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