A lake located above the extremely popular Snow Lake; Upper Wildcat offers backpacking opportunities for route-finding enthusiasts in the summer months.
The trail continues past Snow Lake to Gem Lake, 5.2 miles from the trailhead, and continues on a further 2.8 miles to Lower Wildcat Lake. The upper lake is a brushy bushwhack above the lower lake. Be sure to have a map and route-finding experience.
Upper Wildcat Lake

Length
17.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4920 ft.
Rating
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest PassPermits Required
Wilderness permit. Self-issue at trailhead (no fee)Upper Wildcat Lake
Map & Directions
Getting There
Drive on I-90 to exit 52. Take this exit and head for Alpental Road. This is a left turn when eastbound and a right when westbound. Continue about 1.5 miles to the parking lot and trailhead. Note that this is the trailhead to one of the most popular hikes in Washington. You will have lots of company on the majority of this hike.