Best Alpine Lakes for Packrafting in Washington

I first discovered packrafting in 2020 and frankly, I’m not sure how I ended up finding more information about packrafting. It was a year of quarantine and I had a lot of time on my hands. I started getting into paddling (my first kayak was the inflatable Intex Challenger) and thought about the possibility of taking a packraft into the backcountry.

I eventually landed on the homepage of Kokopelli - a Colorado-based company that specializes in packrafts. I took the plunge and bought the Rogue Lite. I started out just day hiking with a packraft and I eventually ventured into the world of true packrafting. What does this mean?

In this blog post, I aim to introduce you to packrafting, some of the best places to go packrafting in Washington, and gear and equipment you need to get started.

Not really into packrafting but still want to go paddling? Check out my blog post on the 15 best places to paddle in Washington.

9 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.

  1. Snow Lake

Paddling on the calm waters of Snow Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Distance:
7.2 miles

Elevation Gain:
1800 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Alpine Lakes Wilderness

One of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snow Lake offers easy access to stunning high-alpine scenery. The trail winds through old-growth forest and rocky switchbacks before dropping down to the lake’s edge, where dramatic peaks rise around clear, icy-blue water. While it’s rarely “quiet,” bringing a packraft lets you paddle away from the shoreline crowds and enjoy a new perspective.

I recommend hiking to Snow Lake on a weekday. Weekends can be an absolute zoo on the trail. However, if you’d like to, you can always hike further to Gem Lake or even all the way to Upper Wildcat Lake. Both offer a bit more solitude.

Be prepared for chilly water (even in mid-summer), and consider going early or midweek if you’re looking for more solitude.

2. Minotaur Lake

Minotaur Lake at sunrise.

Distance:
3.5 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
1950 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Central Cascades

Tucked away in the Central Cascades, Minotaur Lake is a hidden gem surrounded by jagged peaks and mythic vibes (there’s also Thesus Lake and Labyrinth Mountain nearby). The trail is short but steep, rocky, and at times rugged, gaining serious elevation in a short distance. It's a relatively small lake, but paddling it gives you an entirely different perspective of the surrounding cliffs.

It’s a great spot for a quick and challenging half-day adventure—with the reward of floating on a pristine alpine lake.

3. Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes

Distance:
2-3 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
450 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Snoqualmie Pass

A quieter alternative near Snoqualmie Pass, Mirror Lake is a mellow and peaceful spot nestled between ridgelines, offering a quick escape into the alpine. The hike in is relatively easy, making it a great low-effort, high-reward option for a packraft outing. 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 dies down.

Depending on what type of vehicle you drive, the hike could range between 2 to 3 miles. The last mile is a rough forest road. This was one of the first backpacking trips my friend Caroline did with her packraft!

4. Pete Lake

Distance:
~8 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
400 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Alpine Lakes Wilderness

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.

Pete Lake is a mellow, forested destination in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, perfect for a beginner-friendly packrafting adventure. Permits are self-issued at the trailhead and no advanced reservation is required. The lake itself is calm, scenic, and surprisingly spacious—ideal for paddling a loop along the shoreline or just floating and soaking up the mountain views.

Bonus: If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Pete Lake toward Spectacle Lake (on my bucket list!), although it's a much tougher climb. For a chill day paddle, Pete Lake is one of the best low-effort alpine floats in the region.

5. Blue Lake

Caroline and her Kokopelli Rogue Lite against the dramatic backdrop of Blue Lake.

Distance:
~4.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
1050 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
North Cascades/Highway 20

Blue Lake is one of my favorite hikes and one of the most accessible hikes in the North Cascades region. This hike is popular in the summertime and especially popular during larch season (~October).

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires, Blue Lake is one of the most photogenic and accessible alpine lakes in the North Cascades. The trail is relatively short with steady elevation gain, leading you to vibrant blue water nestled in a rocky cirque. It’s a popular day hike, but bringing a packraft lets you float out into the stillness—away from the shoreline crowds—for incredible views and a peaceful break.

Be sure to go early or midweek to avoid the crowds! Parking is limited.

6. 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.

Distance:
~16-17 miles

Elevation Gain:
3200 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Central Cascades

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 continues on to connect with the East Fork Foss trail.

7. Goat Lake

The dramatic backdrop of Goat Lake makes this a popular destination.

Distance:
~10.4 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
1400 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Mountain Loop Highway

Tucked into the old-growth forests of the Mountain Loop Highway, Goat Lake is a mellow, scenic hike with a big alpine payoff. The trail winds through lush forest and along the Elliott Creek, eventually opening up to a wide, cold, and wind-kissed lake backed by cliffs and cascading waterfalls. It’s a great beginner-friendly spot for packrafting—plenty of shoreline to launch from, calm water for floating, and stunning views in every direction.

The lake is large enough for a relaxing paddle, and early mornings offer glassy conditions and great reflections. 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.

Read my trip report for Goat lake here.

8. Lake Valhalla

Litchenberg Mountain overlooking Lake Valhalla.

Distance:
~6 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
~1300 feet

Pass:
NW Forest pass

Area:
Stevens Pass

Lake Valhalla is a popular day hike and also a really great option for people 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 Smithbrook trailhead. I’ve only done the hike starting from the Smithbook trailhead. The elevation gain is gentle and the trail is very well-maintained. This hike offers alpine views and the lake itself has great access for launching a packraft.

Extend your trip by hiking up to the nearby Mount McClausland. The hike up to summit is only 0.5 miles but gains about 500 feet. It is steep and dusty.

Read my trip report on Lake Valhalla here.

9. Lila Lake (via the Rachel Lake Trail)

Lila Lake sits above Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes on the Rachel Lake trail.

Distance:
~9 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain:
~2400 feet

Pass:
NW Forest Pass

Area:
Snoqualmie Pass

Getting to Lila Lake requires a little bit of effort but still very doable as a day hike. Lila Lake is tucked away above the popular Rachel Lake. It is a serene lake and for those who are willing to climb just a bit further, will be able to experience a tiny bit more solitude. If Lila Lake feels like it’s too difficult, definitely feel free to explore nearby Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes. What makes Rampart Lakes cool is a series of pothole lakes that make up the area. There are established backcountry campsites at all 3 lakes.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Lake 22
    A popular Mountain Loop Highway hike leading to a dramatic cirque lake beneath Mount Pilchuck, perfect for a peaceful paddle beneath towering cliffs.

  • Talapus and Olallie Lakes
    A mellow, forested trail to two serene alpine lakes just off I-90—ideal for beginner-friendly floats with mountain reflections.

  • Spectacle Lake
    A stunning, glacier-fed lake nestled beneath alpine ridges, reached via a challenging but rewarding backcountry trek—well worth hauling a packraft.

  • Jade Lake via Marmot Lake
    A challenging hike that takes you to an iconic turquoise alpine lake tucked deep in the Central Cascades, where floating gives you front-row views of rugged peaks and glacier-fed waters.

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 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:

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

Adam Jones from Optimum Adventures paddling on Snow Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

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.

Backpacking, Pacific Northwest, Packrafting, Washington, PaddlingCynthia Wongpackrafting, washington, backpacking, hiking