An overnight hike to Chetwoot Lake, Sept 8-9, via Foss Lakes, full of solitude and big blue (sub)alpine lakes.
I hit the trail at 8am and stopped for lunch at Big Heart Lake, a popular and very scenic spot. The trail to Big Heart Lake is in good shape, as reported elsewhere, with one large blowdown about 2/3 the way up the climb to Copper Lake.
Beyond BHL is where the fun begins. The first 3/4 of a mile is on well-established tread. After a nice view of Angeline Lake, the trail stops being a trail and becomes more of a way. Route finding is not difficult (stay on the spine), but there are false paths here and there that will lead to views or circle you backwards. There are a few sections with veggie belays and a couple of places where you will need to down-climb some boulders. After a small saddle on the spine separating BHL and AL, the way becomes easier, climbing to a small lake above Chetwoot, before a steep descent to Little Chetwoot Lake, a short distance from the main lake.
There are several nice campsites between the two lakes, as well as a new privy. Most folks stopping here were doing the Alpine Lakes High Route. Although Chetwoot is only about 2.5 miles from BHL, I would plan on it taking 2-3 hours, unless you are familiar with the route.
Comments
Wild Discovery… on Chetwoot Lake
Most interesting! I have been to a turnaround point, past BH Lake staring down at the deep blue waters of Angeline Lake, and perhaps due to time(was a day hike) constraints, I turned back.(I know that at a minimum, will need to do this as an overnight) The only thing between me and Angeline Lake was a cliff,-and no clear real trail-and was wondering(this was about 25 years ago) if you have any further suggestions on which direction one most go to get past that point, to continue exploring the Foss Lakes Chain. Thank You!
Posted by:
Wild Discovery… on Jul 20, 2025 03:51 PM
jej3 on Chetwoot Lake
There are a lot of short spur trails off the main path to Chetoot. The overlook above Angeline is one example. In general, try to stay high on the ridge. From the AL overlook, backtrack a bit and look for a path heading upslope.
Posted by:
jej3 on Jul 20, 2025 04:14 PM