Lake Dorothy

Lake Dorothy is accessible via a moderately challenging hiking trail in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail begins at the Lake Dorothy trailhead off of Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. The hike is approximately 3 miles one-way to the lake, featuring stairs along the route. While manageable for most hikers, carrying camping gear (especially heavier packs around 40 lbs) increases the difficulty. The trail is well-maintained and provides a reasonable hike-in experience for those seeking a backcountry camping destination.

The main trail to Lake Dorothy is a moderate 3-mile hike with some stair sections that leads directly to the lake. From the lake, additional trails allow you to explore the surrounding Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Many hikers extend their adventure beyond Lake Dorothy to visit nearby Bear and Deer lakes as part of a longer day hike or backpacking trip. The area offers beautiful Alpine scenery with opportunities to explore the shoreline of Lake Dorothy itself. The trails provide a good balance of accessibility while still offering a wilderness experience.

Lake Dorothy offers primitive backcountry camping with basic facilities. The area features multiple established campsites scattered around the lake, including a popular site on the far shore that works well for groups. Primitive toilets are available along the trail. The campground does not provide running water, electricity, or trash service, so campers must pack out all waste. Be prepared with insect repellent as flies can be problematic during certain seasons. The lake itself provides a refreshing (though very cold) spot to cool off after hiking in.