Are there any significant obstacles on the trail to Fisher Lake?

The trail to Fisher Lake is generally in good condition with minor obstacles. Some sections are described as rooty and steep, requiring careful footing, especially in wet conditions. The path to Lower and Upper Ptarmigan Lakes, which branches off from Fisher Lake, is more challenging and requires route-finding skills.

What is the status of fall colors and berries?

Fall colors are beginning to appear, with descriptions of nice fall foliage and color changes in blueberry bushes noted on [September 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-18.225038757277) and [September 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-10.184721069576). However, berries are reported to be scarce this year, with very few found on September 6 and August 31.

What is the parking situation at the trailhead?

Parking can be busy, with one report on [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.182814767109) stating the trailhead was very full by the afternoon. Another report from [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.213530115035) counted 22 cars in the lot and noted passing many people.

Fisher Lake

Central Cascades

updated 6 days ago

The trail to Fisher Lake is in good condition, with no snow reported as of September 19. The road is generally passable for all vehicles, though some reports indicate rougher sections requiring caution, particularly past the Mount Sawyer trailhead turnoff, and one report noted a washout and ruts in the last mile. Fall colors are beginning to appear, as noted on September 18 and September 10, though berries are scarce this year. Parking can be full, with one report of the lot being very full by the afternoon on September 19. Water is generally available at the lake, but sources along the trail are minimal.

Generated from 23 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Fisher Lake

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

The road is generally in good shape and suitable for all vehicles, with some reports of recent graveling on the main Foss road as of September 10. However, there are sections that become rougher past the Mount Sawyer trailhead turnoff, with some ruts and a washout noted. One report from August 31 mentions a washout marked by an orange barricade in the last mile.