Lake · Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Windy Lake
17.1 mi round trip4,881 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
Distance17.1 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,881 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation4,508 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Windy Lake is a lake reached by a 17.1-mile round trip from Talapus Lake Trailhead. The route follows Talapus Lake Trail, then Talapus Lake Trail, then boot trail, then Pratt Lake Trail, then Melakwa Lake Trail 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 Talapus Lake Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.