Deception Lakes

Trek up to a set of alpine lakes in a rugged setting along this less-traveled trail.

The Deception Creek Trail #1059 begins beneath the crackle of power lines, but soon plunges into a mature forest of fir, cedar and hemlock. At 0.4 miles the trail almost crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and slips alongside Deception Creek. The first miles are fairly tame, climbing slowly but steadily up the valley through fields of huckelberry. The somewhat narrow trail crosses over streams large and small, usually with a bridge or boardwalk to help you to the other side. Depending on the season, you may find that Deception Creek has spilled over onto the trail, prompting you to find creative ways of getting across. After crossing the log bridge over Deception Creek, the trail steepens, pulling you up the mountainside high above the creek. Eventually the trail levels out and crosses over Sawyer Creek. At roughly 3.0 miles find a campsite well-suited for a break or a turn-around point.

From the turn-around point continue onward to the 4.8-mile mark to reach the junction with the Deception Creek Cutoff Trail #1059.1 that follows Fisher Creek up to the Tonga Ridge Trail #1058. Keep left, following the Deception Lakes Trail as it passes a campsite and crosses Deception Creek. The next 2.2 miles from the creek is the toughest length of the trail, switchbacking steeply up forested slopes to reach the Deception Lakes Trail #1059.2 (signed 1059B at the trailhead) at 7.0 miles. Head left and up, continuing to climb, though with the occasional view of the spreading valley below. In 0.9 miles connect with the Pacific Crest Trail, heading left again for less than a half-mile to reach Deception Lakes at 8.3 miles. There are good campsites near the lake outlet, cross the creek and claim one before continuing down the trail as it skirts the edge of the water.

Cupped in the bowl between Surprise Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Mac Peak, Deception Lakes are deceivingly large, with waters hidden behind a long, wooded peninsula. The trail soon splits, with the PCT continuing onward the Surprise Mountain Trail #1062 leading up to the summit via Surprise Gap. Stay near the lakes, following bootpaths and side trails that snake around the shores. Wander and explore, soaking up the wild alpine landscape.

Surprisingly, the Deception Creek Trail does not get a lot of traffic. It’s among the least traveled trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, despite lush old growth and the fairly impressive cascades of Deception Creek. With fairly easy access to the trailhead and moderate elevation gain, this is an approachable hike for almost anyone. With so much to see and explore, this Deception Lakes is an ideal backpacking destination for an overnight or as a basecamp for further explorations.

Going further: Add a trip up to the top of windswept Surprise Mountain for enormous views of the surrounding peaks. Or follow the PCT from Deception Lakes out to Deception Pass, allowing a loop back to the trailhead along the Deception Creek Trail #1059 or offering side trips up to Marmot Lake and Lake Clarice or Tuck and Robin Lakes.

History

There are quite a few geographical features in Washington that have earned the name “deception.” Usually, this is because the feature caused some sort of confusion upon discovery. Puget Sound’s Deception Pass, for example, was named by Capt. George Vancouver because it first appeared to be a narrow bay rather than a passageway. Back 1893, the last spike of the Great Northern Railway was driven at Deception Creek, connecting Seattle to St. Paul, Minnesota.