Spade Lake Trail

Spade Lake Trail #1337 is a strenuous backpacking route in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, built around a steep push from the Pacific Crest Trail area near Waptus Lake up to Spade Lake. The route totals about 25.6 miles round trip with roughly 2,800 feet of elevation gain, making it a long, commitment-style day for fit hikers even before any side exploring.

The trail starts from the Pacific Crest Trail near Waptus Lake and then heads northwest toward Spade and Venus Lakes. Just above Waptus Lake, the Spade Lake Trail line goes straight uphill through old-growth forest; past its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail it turns fairly steep before easing somewhat about 1.25 miles after that climb ramps up.

After the initial steep section, the route trends northwest along the mountainside, then passes through meadows and belts of smaller trees. It opens into a more exposed, relatively open area where you can see surrounding mountains while Spade Creek runs far below.

As you approach Spade Lake, the trail crosses talus slopes and passes small bluffs before it transitions into scattered trees and meadows near the shore. Near the lakeshore, it splits: a user-built line heads left toward scattered bluff campsites, while the main tread goes right and continues up/down along steep bluffs skirting the east shore.

The approach into and around the lakeshore becomes narrower, eventually fading into a network of user paths leading to the shore and older camping spots. Camping is managed with sensitivity in mind in this high-altitude basin—plan to camp away from the lake and avoid meadows and other sensitive areas.

Water is available from small streams along the route and at Spade Lake. Campfires are prohibited in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness above 5,000 feet elevation, so plan for stoves and pack out all waste.

For permits and access logistics, entry to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness requires a free permit filled out at the trailhead. The route is also covered by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest fee/pass rules for day use; Northwest Forest Pass and other recreation pass options are honored.

More information: Visitor information, Hike of the Week: Salmon la Sac to Spade and Venus Lakes, Waptus & Spade Lakes and Polallie Ridge - The Mountaineers