West Fork Foss River and Lakes — Wednesday, Jun. 30, 1999

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

Decided to test out my new Vasque Sundowners on this lovely July afternoon in the Foss Lakes area. To get to the trailhead drive US 2 just past the town of Skykomish and turn right on Foss River road No. 68. Follow this until the West Fork Foss River road is reached, at which point take a left, then follow this road to the trailhead. Even before I began the hike the trip was well worth it when I saw a bear wandering the side of the road about a 1/4 mile before the trailhead. I followed him (assumption) about 100 yards until he darted off the side of the road into the trees. Before I begin the description of the hike, much thanks goes out to the group of guys who cleared the entire trail to Copper Lake of numerous blow-downs and overgrown vegetation. The trail starts at about 1600' and climbs gently until a crossing of the West Fork of the Foss River is required. Here there are a couple of foot logs with railings that make the crossing a cinch even when wet. The trail then proceeds on to Trout Lake 1.5 miles from the trailhead, and plenty of snow-free camping. The trail now climbs 2000' up to Copper Lake. The first snow I encountered was just past the bridge over the outlet of Malachite Lake, elevation approx. 3850'. From here it is solid snow (3-6') to either Copper or Malachite Lakes. I chose Copper, and followed the sound of the outlet to the lake, elevation 3961'. The Lake is about 95% frozen over, and needless to say expect to be camping on snow for at least another week or two. All in all, a nice little day hike made much easier by the fact that 6-10 blow-downs had been removed just prior to my arrival.