Best Alpine Lakes for Packrafting in Washington
Washington has hundreds of alpine lakes easily accessible to everyone, and a surprising number of them are perfect for packrafting. This post covers 9 of my favorite spots, ranging from mellow day hikes near Snoqualmie Pass to multi-day adventures in the Cascades, where a packraft can offer more solitude and a way to explore areas that are less traveled by most day hikers.
Below you'll find 9 of my favorite Washington alpine lakes for packrafting, plus the gear you need to get started.
How did I get started?
I discovered packrafting in 2020. I’d just gotten in paddling — my first ‘kayak’ was a gloriously janky inflatable Intex Challenger, and that was when I started daydreaming about what it would look like to take a raft into the backcountry instead of just a lake in Seattle. That rabbit hole led me to Kokopelli, a Colorado company that makes some of the best packrafts out there, and I bought a Rogue Lite before I could even talk myself out of it.
I felt so cool and have been finding ways to incorporate the packraft into my adventures.
My focus here is specifically on alpine lake packrafting, hiking in with your packraft instead of hauling a 40lbs paddleboard to the trailhead (which, yes, people are absolutely doing that!). Packrafts are incredible for finding a little solitude and getting up close with scenery that most hikers are viewing from the shore. This post won't cover whitewater or bikerafting — those are a whole different world and honestly still on my own bucket list — but if you want calm water, stunning views, and a reason to hike further than everyone else, you're in the right place.
Not really into packrafting but still want to go paddling?
9 Best Alpine Lakes to Go Packrafting
Washington is packed with alpine lakes and many of them tucked deep into the mountains, only accessible by foot. But if you’ve ever hiked to one and thought, “I wish I could paddle this,” you’re in the right place. This list includes some of my favorite spots (plus a few still on my list) that are perfect for packrafting: quiet, scenic, and float-friendly.
This is no an exhaustive guide because there are so many worthy lakes out there but it’s a solid starting point if you’re looking to pair hiking and paddling in some of the most beautiful corners of the state.
Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes
The easiest hike on this list — mellow, forested, and best at sunrise when the water is perfectly still
Mirror Lake and Cottonwood Lakes is a great quieter alternative near Snoqualmie Pass. It is a mellow and peaceful spot nestled between ridgelines, offering a quick escape into the alpine with Tinkham Peak dominating the horizon. The hike in is relatively easy, making it a great low-effort, high-reward option for a quick day hike or overnight outing with a packraft.
While the lake is small, its reflective waters and surrounding forest make for a serene float, especially early in the morning or at sunset when the wind finally dies down.
This was one of my friend, Caroline’s first time backpacking with a packraft! This mellow makes it great for those who are looking to get started with that.
Pete Lake
Long mileage, almost no elevation — a gentle forest walk to a calm, spacious lake perfect for a first overnight packrafting trip
I clearly was able to convince my friend Caroline that backpacking to an alpine lake with your packraft is fun. We ventured out and tackled Pete Lake shortly after we did Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes.
Pete Lake is a mellow, forested destination in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Along with Mirror Lake, this is another great spot for a beginner-friendly packrafting adventure. Permits are self-issued at the trailhead and no advanced reservation is required. It can get busy on the weekends as this is a popular camping spot for those venturing out to Spectacle Lake and beyond for a day hike. The lake itself is calm, scenic, and surprisingly spacious, making it ideal for paddling a loop along the shoreline or just floating and soaking up the mountain views on a hot day.
Snow Lake
Paddling on the calm waters of Snow Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
One of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness — go midweek and let the packraft carry you away from the crowds
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Greater Seattle Area. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Snow Lake trail offers relatively easy access to stunning alpine scenery.
The trail travels through old-growth forest and rocky switchbacks (and stairs) before dropping down to the lake’s edge, where dramatic peaks rise around clear, icy blue water.
While it’s rarely quiet here, especially on the weekends, bringing a packraft lets you paddle from the shoreline crowds and enjoy the lake from a different perspective. My friend and I actually paddled out to an island on the opposite end of the lake to set up camp, and I highly recommend doing that if you’re able to!
Blue Lake
Caroline and her Kokopelli Rogue Lite against the dramatic backdrop of Blue Lake.
Short but stunning — Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires as a backdrop, vibrant blue water, and very limited parking
Blue Lake is one of my favorite hikes and one of the most accessible hikes in the North Cascades. This hike is very popular in the summer, and even more popular during larch season (end of September through October).
The lake is set against the dramatic backdrop of Liberty Bell and the Early Winter Spires, popular climbing destinations so be prepared to see a lot of climbers on the trail too! Blue Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes. The trail is relatively short with steady elevation gain, but it never feels steep. At the end, you will be greeted by vibrant blue water nestled in a rocky cirque. Bringing a packraft allows you to float out into the stillness and away from the shoreline crowds. The views are absolutely incredible.
Be sure to go early or midweek to avoid the crowds! Parking is limited at the Rainy Pass trailhead!
Goat Lake
The dramatic backdrop of Goat Lake makes this a popular destination.
Beginner-friendly with a big payoff — wide, cold, wind-kissed lake backed by cliffs and waterfalls
Tucked into the old-growth forests of the Mountain Loop Highway, Goat Lake is a mellow and scenic hike with a big alpine payoff. It’s great for families and for beginners as the grade is generally pretty mellow.
The trail winds through lush forest and along Elliot Creek, eventually opening up to a wide lake backed by cliffs and waterfalls. This is another great beginner-friendly spot for taking your packraft to. It has plenty of shoreline to launch from, and generally calm water for floating, and stunning views in every direction.
On the water, surrounded by cliff walls and cascades, it feels like a place you'd have to work much harder to reach.
Pro tip: take the Upper Trail on the way up for more elevation gain and views, and return via the Lower Trail for a mellow descent.
Lake Valhalla
Litchenberg Mountain overlooking Lake Valhalla.
Gentle, well-maintained trail with great lake access — a solid first backpacking and packrafting combo
Lake Valhalla is one of those hikes I’ve avoided for a long time. It is a popular day hike and a great destination for folks backpacking for the first time. There are two ways to start the Lake Valhalla trail, either via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) near Stevens Pass or via the Smithbook trailhead. I’ve only started from the Smithbrook trailhead. The elevation gain felt very gentle and the trail was very well-maintained, which makes this a relatively quick and easy hike.
The hike offers alpine views with Litchenberg Mountain towering over the lake. Lake Valhalla offers plenty of spots to launch your packraft.
I also hiked up to Mount McClausland the first time I completed this hike. It is steep and gains about 500 feet in 0.5 miles, but it was absolutely worth it!
Lila Lake (via the Rachel Lake Trail)
Lila Lake sits above Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes on the Rachel Lake trail.
A bit more effort than the others, but Lila sits above Rachel Lake with noticeably more solitude
Getting to Lila Lake requires a bit more effort than the lakes listed here so far. It is still very doable as a day hike but expect the day to be relatively long. Lila Lake is tucked away above the popular Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes. For those who are willing to hike a bit further, you will be able experience a bit more solitude than the other two lakes on the Rachel Lake trail.
If Lila Lake feels like a big push and the elevation gain looks intimidating, feel free to explore nearby Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes. The elevation gain up to Rachel Lake is no joke, especially with an overnight pack and a packraft! I personally enjoyed Rampart Lakes the most because the series of pothole lakes that make up the area make the area more unique and quite cool. There are also established backcountry campsites at all 3 lakes.
Minotaur Lake
Minotaur Lake at sunrise.
Short but relentlessly steep — nearly 2,000 ft of gain in 1.75 miles, with mythic vibes to match
This hike completely kicked my butt! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I first learned about Minotaur Lake from Miranda Goes Outside — she also took her packraft up. She made it look so fun so I decided to join the sufferfest myself by hiking to Minotaur with my packraft.
Tucked away in the Central Cascades, Minotaur Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by jagged peaks and mythic vibes (see nearby Theseus Lake and Labyrinth Mountain). While most people choose to do Lake Valhalla, I suggest challenging yourself by hiking up to Minotaur Lake. The trail is short but steep, rocky, and at times rugged, gaining serious elevation in a short distance (think Mailbox Peak). It’s a relatively small lake but enough to get your paddling itch out because it gives you an entirely different perspective.
West Fork Foss Trail to Big Heart Lake
First peek of Big Heart Lake after leaving Little Heart Lake on the West Fork Foss trail.
The ultimate packrafting trip on this list — multiple lakes strung together over 2–3 days, with a steep crux that mellows out after Trout Lake
The West Fork Foss trail is a beautiful trail located in the Central Cascades. This is a dream for adventurers and backpackers. Following the West Fork Foss River, the trail leads you through dense forest, past waterfalls, and up to to a series of alpine lakes.
Along the way, you will pass Trout Lake, Copper Lake, a spur trail that takes you up to Malachite Lake, continue from Copper Lake to Little Heart Lake and eventually Big Heart Lake. Each lake offering its own character and potential for floating and camping. From the accessible shores of Trout Lake to the remote, glacier-fed waters of Big Heart, this route lets you string together multiple paddle worth stops in once epic trip.
The hardest section is the climb from Trout Lake to the junction for Copper Lake and Malachite Lake. The trail mellows out afterwards all the way to Big Heart Lake and can continue on to connect with the East Fork Foss trail.
What is packrafting?
Packrafting combines hiking and paddling. It involves carrying an ultralight inflatable raft to more remote lakes and rivers. There are other ways to packraft too - a lot of people also do bikerafting, which involves taking your mountain or gravel bike into more remote places.
For a deeper dive into gear, safety tips, and techniques, check out this beginner's guide to packrafting by REI.
Looking for more beginner-friendly advice? Check out this guide by Kokopelli that covers everything from getting started to planning your first float.
For me, packrafting has become one of the most joyful ways to explore alpine environments. It turns a hike into a multi-sport adventure. It adds a refreshing twist to summer backpacking trips. And it often leads to moments of peaceful solitude, with nothing but you, your boat, and the rhythm of your paddle.
On the shoreline of Minotaur Lake located in the Central Cascades.
Getting Started with Packrafting
Getting started with packrafting is simple. I do understand that it can get a little bit expensive to accumulate all the gear but you don’t really need the most expensive gear to get started especially if your goal is just to hike up to an alpine lake to go paddle. People use packrafts for whitewater rafting too, but I’m not covering any of that here.
1. Packraft
The single most important gear minus the paddles. There are a lot of options out there now. I use a Kokopelli Hornet Lite but also owned the Kokopelli Rogue Lite in the past. But ditched the latter because the Hornet Lite was a tiny bit lighter and a bit cheaper.
Packrafts differ from your regular paddleboard or kayak because it’s built to be lightweight, durable, and very packable, which makes them perfect for backcountry adventures.
Some of these packrafts also have internal storage compartments built into the tubes. Before you inflate your raft, you can stash gear inside using dry bags. That means more room on the water which can take you further. Most models also come with lash points and D-rings for strapping down your backpack, camera gear, or even a mountain bike.
What’s also cool is how smartly designed these boats are. A lot of them have internal storage compartments built into the tubes—so before you inflate the raft, you can stash gear inside using dry bags. That means less bulk on your back and more room on the water. Most models also come with lash points for strapping down your backpack, camera gear, or even a mountain bike if you're getting really creative.
Caroline and Milly paddling on Pete Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Other packraft options:
Alpacka Caribou ($950-$1500): perfect for flatwaters and calm rivers. The Caribou comes in different configurations.
Kokopelli Rogue-Lite ($949-$1099): lightweight and durable with the option to add the TiZip to store your gear in the platoons of the raft.
Supai Adventure Gear Canyon Flatwater Boat ($314.99): built for flatwater and is the lightest one on the list here.
One of my first experiences with packrafting on Eunice Lake in the Carbon River Area of Mount Rainier National Park (now closed to the public).
2. Paddles
Having paddles would be extremely useful unless you really plan on just floating on an alpine lake. I’ve owned a few different paddles but have settled on the Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid 4-piece Kayak Paddle. I like that it breaks down into 4 separate pieces so it can fit into (or rather outside) of my pack more easily.
Below are resources for how to pick the right size paddles for packrafting:
3. PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Even though most of the time you will be on flatwater and calm lakes, it is still important to have a PFD. Choose something lightweight, packable option designed for paddling.
4. Inflation Bag or Pump
Most packrafts include an inflation system—either a large inflation bag or compact pump. I personally like using the Kokopelli Feather Pump or one of the many pumps that Flextail Gear makes, I think I have this one listed here. Some packrafts already come with an inflation bag but I bring the pump because it also inflates my sleeping pad.
5. Water shoes or sandals
Since I am not doing any actual whitewater rafting, I always opt for sandals. I used to swear by the Teva’s Hurricanes or Universal Trails but I have recently been converted to Bedrock Sandals, an even more minimalistic sandal with great grip. Each Bedrock sandals has Vibram rubber soles. I personally opted for the Bedrock Cairn Evo’s.
My friend also recently introduced me to another brand, the Luna Sandals. They are very similar to Bedrocks but they are based in Wenatchee, WA.
Other optional gear you might need:
Dry Bags: Essential for keeping your gear safe and dry, especially if you’re stashing things inside the raft tubes.
Repair Kit: Tiny holes can happen. A simple patch kit weighs nothing and could save your trip.
Layered Clothing / Wetsuit: Alpine lakes are cold. A splash top or wetsuit helps if you plan to paddle longer or expect wind. I always bring a rain jacket.
Final Thoughts & Resources
I’m really glad I discovered the world of packrafting. It adds a whole new dimension to backpacking and hiking. Packrafting is a great way to reach a quieter corner of an alpine lake or just a fun way to cool down after a long climb. Bringing a raft opens up endless possibilities and I highly recommend considering it on your next adventure!
Below are a list of resources that has helped me gotten started and provides important information on staying safe on the water as well while caring for the environment.
Further reading from cynhw.com
Best Places to Paddle in Washington — if you're not quite ready for the backcountry, this covers flatwater paddling across the state
Beginner's Guide to Kayak Camping — overnight paddling without the hiking component
Gear & brands I use
Kokopelli Packrafts — where I'd start for anyone looking at their first packraft
Planning resources
Washington Trails Association — trail conditions, recent trip reports, permit info
Recreation.gov — permits for Alpine Lakes Wilderness and other regulated areas
Optimum Adventures — packraft rentals, courses, and guided trips in Washington (great if you want to try before you buy)
REI Co-op: Packrafting Basics — A great intro covering gear, safety, and beginner tips.
American Packrafting Association (APA) — Advocacy, safety resources, and a growing community directory.
Kokopelli: Beginner’s Guide to Packrafting — A brand-made guide that’s clear, visual, and full of useful info.
