Lake Dorothy is a very popular hike for good reasons; a smooth access road, a short hike on a well maintained trail, a two mile long lake surrounded by snow capped peaks. But popularity means crowds, so to experience this bit of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in something closer to a wilderness environment, try visiting mid-week.


We went on this lovely 75 degree day, happy to be hiking most of the way in the cool of the forest. We passed only four other parties while we were there, so we had a sense of solitude.

There is a bridge out at the far end of the lake on the trail to Bear Lake, and we didn't meet anyone coming down to verify whether it's crossable, so you might want to give the Skykomish Ranger Station a call if the upper lakes are your destination.