Goodbye Lake Crescent, So Long Lake Chelan: This Scenic Lake Is A Crystal-Clear Gem With Camping And Fishing

There's no denying that Lake Crescent and Lake Chelan are two of Washington State's most iconic and deepest glacial lakes, each with its unique environment and experiences. But if you were to look past these famous bodies of water, you'll encounter a lesser-known lake with crystal-clear waters mirroring the tree-covered mountains on its surface. Sitting at an elevation of 3,930 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is the scenic Walupt Lake. Covering a 381-acre water surface, this remote lake offers a nature escape for those who'd like to spend slow days by the water — just them and their fishing rod. One person called this place a "hidden gem," while another said there are "absolutely gorgeous views to enjoy while visiting."

Boasting a classic Pacific Northwest high-wilderness vibe, Walupt Lake is secluded, rugged, and wooded. The area is thriving with evergreens such as hemlocks, cedars, and firs, which gives it a deeply peaceful atmosphere. The lake is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. Take a few steps back, and the surrounding scenery reflects across the surface. Anglers can try their luck to see what kind of trout is teeming below. You can cast your fishing rod either on the lake shore or take a boat out on the water.

Getting to Walupt Lake from Seattle will have you on the road for 3 hours and 15 minutes; you'll have to drive past Mt. Rainier to reach the lake. Coming from Portland, Oregon, is almost the same, taking around 3 hours and 25 minutes. The drive from Tacoma is slightly shorter at 3 hours. Since it's a bit of a journey for a day trip, don't spend half the day in your car. Instead, book a site at the Walupt Lake Campground for a multi-day retreat.

Those who opted for camping at Walupt Lake are in for a primitive experience — there are only non-electric sites available. Located on the northwest shore of the lake, the campground is open seasonally from July to mid-September. During the opening week, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early to claim your spot. After that, it switches to a reservation system. Holiday weekends are subject to a three-night length-of-stay requirement.

There's a total of 42 sites at the campground, of which 27 cater to RVs and trailers. Some of these sites fit 30-foot vehicles, while others only accommodate 20-foot ones. All campsites provide shade and are equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. The majority of the sites have a capacity of eight campers. Of the total, four are larger spots with space for 16 guests and two vehicles. As expected, the on-site facilities are primitive, with access to only vault toilets. However, your dogs can accompany you on your getaway, as this is a pet-friendly campground. If you happen to be there on a windy day, there are a few hacks you can use to keep your tent secure while camping. There's also an equestrian campground situated less than a mile away.

The scenic views at the campground might have you hitting the trails near Walupt Lake. Considering that you're high up in the mountains, you'll be going on challenging hikes. From the Walupt Lake Campground, you can get on the Nannie Peak Trail, which is a 5.9-mile out-and-back route. This strenuous path climbs up to 2,208 feet, treating you to expansive views of the mountains. You can also move on to longer-distance hikes from this area — in fact, you can even access the Pacific Crest Trail.

Walupt Lake allows you to engage in various water-based activities. There's a boat ramp at the campground near Walupt creek's mouth, where you can set afloat on a motorized or non-motorized vessel. Keep in mind that there's a 10 mph maximum speed limit enforced for motorized watercraft. One visitor said that the lake is great for "kayaking and even paddleboarding due to the calmness of the water." You can go for a swim, too, especially in August when the water is at its best. Multiple waterfront campsites open up to small beach areas.

Ready to fish? Bring your portable and affordable Plusinno telescopic fishing rod to see what will bite. Walupt Lake features trout species like rainbow, cutthroat, and golden. The best time to catch rainbow trout is between April and June. Having trout trolling gear helps yield successful catches for those taking a boat out on the water. If you're fishing from the shore, cast spinners near rocky areas where trout love to hide. As for those heading out for some evening fly fishing, make sure to pack some scud pattern flies. Moreover, there's plenty of crayfish in the water.

Since snowy conditions close the area from December through June, you only have a brief window to plan a trip to Walupt Lake. On top of that, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, ice typically covers the lake from late November until mid-May. If you missed your chance for a Walupt Lake getaway this year, you can explore other bodies of water in Washington. One example is Keechelus Lake, just an hour from Seattle, where you can enjoy fishing and boating.