Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
1 week ago
Snowfields to cross and icy sections
9 this month · 68 reports
West Fork Foss River and Lakes
Central Cascades
updated 3 weeks ago
The West Fork Foss River trail system remains largely snow-free and accessible. Reports from late September indicate that fall colors are beginning to appear on the upper sections of the trail leading towards Big Heart Lake. While the road to the trailhead is generally in good condition, some reports mention potholes and washboarding towards the end, though passable for most vehicles. The trail itself has a number of downed trees, particularly between Trout Lake and Copper Lake, but these are generally navigable with minor detours. Several recent reports highlight the beauty of the lakes in the area, including Big Heart Lake and Copper Lake, with some hikers enjoying swims, October 20.
Generated from 75 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about West Fork Foss River and Lakes
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is generally in good condition, with some reports mentioning potholes and washboarding towards the end. However, these are typically navigable by most vehicles.
Yes, there are several downed trees reported along the trail, particularly between Trout Lake and Copper Lake. While some are large, they are generally easy to go around or over October 20, September 26.
No, all recent reports indicate that the trail is snow-free.
Bugs have not been a significant issue according to recent reports. Multiple reports from August and September mention no bugs or that they were not too bad, September 26, September 25.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Arrived at the West Fork Foss Trailhead at 2pm. The road was in great condition, with just a few potholes that could be easily navigated around. Two other cars were parked there. No empty self-issue p...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Better road than I'm used to, only a little washboarding and some potholes towards the end, but totally doable by any car. Room for maybe 15 cars at the trailhead. Garbage and bathroom available as we...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Checked out the big Douglas fir log that was cut out by a contract crew last month. It’s in the switchbacks above Trout Lake and about 5’ diameter and the crew counted 660 rings! A little narrow but p...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Did the necklace valley high alpine route as a two day overnight. Started from west fork foss - trail is in great condition and fall colors starting to emerge all the way up until Bigheart lake after ...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
I'd never been up the west fork of the Foss River until this trip. What an amazing area! But an area that is gained only with a bit of sweat and work. Well, except for the trail runner who passed us o...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Perfect weather for a last summer backpacking weekend. Road was in great condition. Arrived at the trailhead around 8:00am on Saturday and lot was 7/8 full. The trek to Trout Lake was easy. The trail ...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
This was a plan B hike since my plan A was out due to wildfires in the area.Roads: Both FS 68 & 6835 were in good shape. Some potholes on 6835, easy to drive around and not big enough to swallow your ...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Great overnight hike to Big Heart lake. Cloudy skies and a little rain on the way in made for some nice cover on the climb up to the upper elevation lakes. Update on previous trip reports the trail ...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Lots of ripe blueberries! Also salmon berries and thimbleberries if you look for them.Camped at Copper Lake for two nights. Found the idea of hiking packless more enjoyable than making camp at Big Hea...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
After reading trip reports about the loop hike from the West Fork Foss to the Necklace Valley trailheads, I decided the challenge of the traverse is beyond my comfort and skill set so I opted for some...