West Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The junction for the West Lake Trail is less than 200 yards north of where the Green Creek Trail crosses the West Fork. It climbs slowly along the north side of Green Lake for about 200 yards to the junction with the trail that goes around the west side of Green Lake.

That trail continues as a non-maintained route from Green Lake up Glines Canyon to Virginia Pass. It can be used for a nice loop around to Summit Lake and back past East Lake. However, a large snow patch tends to linger late on the very steep section near the top of the pass. Unless you are properly equipped, this can be treacherous for much of the summer.

After about 0.3 miles, the West Lake Trail begins a steep 800 foot climb in less than 1 mile. During the first half mile, there are great views across Green Lake and up to Virginia Pass. You can also see over 300 feet of cascades on the stream coming down from West Lake. Several smaller streams cross the trail. After about 0.8 miles, the trail leaves the trees and meadows to climb scree. At about 1.1 miles, we reach the top of a rocky ridge with expansive views of West Lake and the mountains behind it. This is a beautiful place for camping.

From the ridge, the trail drops down to make a rough crossing of the outlet stream from West Lake and then crosses a low ridge to West Lake itself. There is more great camping here.