Lake · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Lake Donald
16.4 mi round trip5,689 ft gainVery hardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance16.4 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain5,689 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,883 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Lake Donald is a lake reached by a 16.4-mile round trip from Lake Ethel Trailhead. The route follows Lake Ethel Trail, then Upper Roaring Creek Trail #1584, then Loch Eileen Trail #1584A to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Lake Ethel Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.