Robin Lakes - 14.5 Miles Round-Trip

The Robin Lakes are located 7.25 miles from Deception Pass Trailhead in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. These adjacent lakes occupy a deep granite cirque east of Deception Pass facing the glaciated flanks of Mt. Daniel.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This challenging trek begins mildly in the Cle Elum River Valley to Upper Hyas Lake before climbing steeply away toward Deception Pass. It continues on variously eroded and ill-defined segments to Tuck Lake and Robin Lakes with exceptional views of Mt Daniel and Cathedral Rock along the way:

The trail rises 100' to a stream crossing at the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary (.4 miles : 3,458’). It continues through intervals of huckleberry, silver fir, hemlock and Engelmann Spruce to a large open marsh with views of Cathedral Rock (.6 miles : 3,470’).

The trail crosses another stream (1.0 miles : 3,474’) and remains level in mixed timber and a diverse understory to Lake Hyas (2.0 miles : 3,470’). It traces the long east shore with access to multiple campsites, then rises away across numerous side streams and boardwalks to Upper Hyas Lake.

At 3.6 miles the trail turns sharply up switchbacks toward Deception Pass, gaining over 700’ in just .7 miles before moderating to the Tuck Lake – Robin Lake Trail junction (4.5 miles : 4,202’). Turn right for Tuck and Robin Lakes (#1376A | hikers only).

It drops to a stream, then begins a challenging 1100’ climb on a heavily eroded, rooted and narrow path without the aid of switchbacks. Mt Daniel and Cathedral Rock emerge once again on this rapid ascent. Travel finally eases past a loose rocky trail segment up to Tuck Lake (5.8 miles : 5207’).

Finding Robin Lake | See GPS Points #13-17

Just before the privy sign at Tuck Lake, split right toward a large boulder near the shore. A trail climbs above a small beach past this large boulder / open area, then winds up and over a granite hump. Hug the shore closely and avoid side trails leading right (south) to a small pond called Tuck’s Pot. 

Cross the logjam at Tuck Lake's outlet (6.1 miles : 5207’), and follow the shore on a trail that quickly rises up a shoulder above the lake. The correct trail will remain within view of Tuck Lake for the first half of the 1290’ climb to Robin Lakes.

The Robin Lakes Trail angles E-SE up the shoulder above Tuck Lake (Tuck’s Pot is the small pond now visible to the west). Conditions deteriorate here on badly eroded and braided tracks.

You'll reach the shoulder top (6.75 miles : 5,785’) and scramble across bare granite marked by cairns. The trail crests over a low rise and drops to the isthmus between upper and lower Robin Lakes (7.25 miles : 6120’). Avoid camping on heather – many bare granite and established dirt sites can be found in the lake vicinity.