The Central Cascades

From the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to north of Mount Rainier, this area is my favorite part of Washington. Everything surrounding Highway 2 and the I-90 corridor falls in this region. It contains not only the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but also the Wild Sky Wilderness, Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.

Fun Fact: There are more than 700 lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and over 600 miles of trails!

Where to visit: Anywhere in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a win. There are trails of all lengths and elevations.

You can find camping, and hiking info below. There is also some DNR dispersed camping as well. Backpacking is phenomenal here, but some require a lottery-winning Wilderness Permit or you can grab one at most trailheads. They are required.