The Tuck and Robin Lakes Is a Hidden Paradise in Washington Worthy of a Day Hike

Summer's here, and it's finally time to dust off those hiking boots in your closet. If you're hunting for the best day hike in Washington, I recommend heading to Tuck and Robin Lakes near Skykomish. Nestled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this challenging route is either a one-day calf-burner or the best entry-level taste of backpacking you'll find in the state. Are you ready for an adventure?

Start your climb at the Tucquala Meadows Trailhead, where you'll follow the path as it snakes through the forest and along sheer mountainsides. Around four miles in, you'll head right toward Tuck and Robin Lakes at a trail junction. This is a great point to take a quick break and drink some water — clocking in at just under 13 miles, your adventure's only just begun!

The Tuck and Robin Trail was originally developed by individual hikers and eventually became absorbed into the Forest Service system. As a result of this history, it's infrequently maintained. Expect a scramble now and then, and adhere to the backcountry rules of leaving no trace and acting safely.

You'll know you're on the right track when you reach Tuck Lake and Tuck's Pot, two stunning pools of water carved into beds of smooth granite. At this point, the trail becomes difficult to follow. Use a map to wind uphill between rugged stone outcrops and into a narrow gully. Eventually, you'll reach a granite slab facing Mount Daniel and Cathedral Peak.

Though it's a popular area for hiking, not many people persevere to this point. Soak in the serenity of the remote mountains and collect yourself to either return to the trailhead or set up camp for the night.

If you're up for it, I can't recommend staying overnight highly enough. Camp away from the shore and eat the best meal of your life beneath the stars. Campfires are prohibited in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but you'll be snug as a bug in your sleeping bag.

Climb out of your tent the following day in time to watch the fog burn off the lake and listen closely to the sounds of alpine wildlife waking up as you nurse a thermos of well-earned coffee.

If you've got the gumption and conditioning to complete it, few hikes are more rewarding than Tuck and Robin. It possesses the kind of beauty that captures you, and you'll be planning your next visit as soon as you leave.

If you're looking for the best day hike in Washington, I recommend Tuck and Robin Lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. Its difficulty will test even a seasoned hiker, but it rewards you with unparalleled alpine views and unmatched serenity.