🏔 Backpacking to Robin Lakes: Two Nights, One Perfect View of Mount Daniel

Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 10 minutes

I had planned to head for Jade Lake and Dip Top Gap, but at the last minute I pivoted. Robin Lakes had been calling my name for years, and this time the timing finally lined up. And wow — I’m so glad it did.

Backpacking to Robin Lakes isn’t easy. The climb is relentless, the final stretch is rough, and my knees were definitely screaming at me. But when you step out onto that granite basin and see Mount Daniel towering over the lakes? Every step feels worth it.

This trip gave me everything I crave about backpacking: challenge, quiet mornings by an alpine lake, and the kind of view you can’t believe until you’re standing there.

Robin Lakes Backpacking Stats

• Distance: ~11 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: ~3,000 feet
• Trailhead: Deception Pass (Cle Elum area, off I-90)
• Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Best time of year: Mid-July through early October (snow lingers well into summer)
• Camping: Tuck Lake (smaller, shaded), Robin Lakes basin (open granite, epic views)
• Dogs: Allowed, but bring booties — the granite is rough on paws
• Notes: No official trail between Tuck and Robin. Expect steep, rocky scrambling.

📍 Robin Lakes via Deception Pass Trail – AllTrails

🥾 Day 1: The Climb to Robin Lakes

Let’s be honest—backpacking to Robin Lakes is a grind.

The trail to Hyas Lake is a warm-up — flat, forested, and deceptively easy. Don’t get too comfortable. From there, the climbing begins, and it pretty much doesn’t stop until you reach Robin.

The first push up to Tuck Lake is steep and messy, with roots, rocks, and sections that feel like you’re hiking straight up the fall line. Tuck itself is lovely, ringed by trees, and makes a solid overnight if you want to break things up. But we pressed on.

From Tuck to Robin, things get serious. There’s no official trail, just a rough, steep route across granite slabs and scree. Route-finding can be confusing in spots — look for cairns, and definitely download offline maps before you go. My knees hated it, my pack felt heavier than it should have, but the anticipation pulled me forward.

And then, suddenly, the world opened up. Robin Lakes spread out in front of me, with Mount Daniel filling the skyline. It’s one of those moments that hits you in the chest.

I found a campsite perched on the granite with a perfect view of the mountain. That night, the stars felt so close I could reach out and touch them.

Day 2: Sunrise + Granite Mountain

If there’s one constant on any backpacking trip I take, it’s this: I’ll always get up for sunrise. It’s never easy when the alarm goes off, but it’s always worth it. Even when the forecast looks terrible, I still give it a shot—because sometimes the most dramatic, unforgettable moments come from the least promising conditions.

And the first morning surely delivered!

I sat in awe drinking my coffee while a few other nearby backpackers came over to the same spot. Its one thing I love about being in the mountains, is meeting like minded folks. Experiencing such beauty with perfect strangers.

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With a full day to explore, I set my sights on Granite Mountain. It’s a relatively short scramble from camp, but still takes some energy and attention to route-finding. The views from the summit are absolutely wild. Mount Daniel dominates the skyline in one direction, and the entire Alpine Lakes Wilderness stretches out around you. I spotted a few hidden tarns down below—bright blue and sparkling.

After lingering at the summit for a while—partly to catch my breath, partly because I just didn’t want to leave. I had the whole place to myself, which felt like a total gift. No one else on the trail up, no one on the way down—just me, the breeze, and those unreal views.

The descent from Granite Mountain was different from the rugged scramble I took going up. I followed a bootpath that hugs the east side of the Robin Lakes basin. It’s much more gentle underfoot and offers absolutely sweeping views of the lakes below and the surrounding peaks. Hello Mt.Daniel!

If you’re looking for a less intense way to descend, this path is the way to go—and honestly, the scenery along it is just as unforgettable as the summit itself. Backpacking to Robin Lakes is not just about the hike—it’s about those quiet, slow moments in the alpine.

After getting back down from Granite Mountain, I spent the afternoon exploring the area around Robin Lakes more thoroughly.s—and I found myself obsessively taking photos, trying to capture even a fraction of how stunning it felt to be there. I walked across the granite slabs, peeked over ledges, and just soaked it all in. It was the kind of afternoon that makes you feel lucky to be exactly where you are.

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🌲 Day 3: A Slow Hike Out

Packing up was the usual mix of sore legs and a full heart. Two nights out there gave me just what I needed—quiet mornings, a tough summit, and space to breathe.

The hike out? Every bit as steep and dusty as I remembered. My knees were protesting, lol, my pack felt heavier teven though it should have felt lighter, but I still couldn’t stop smiling.

This one’s a grind, but honestly? I can’t recommend it enough.

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🎒 What to Know If You’re Backpacking to Robin Lakes

Consider staying multiple nights. Having a full day to explore Granite Mountain and the lakes makes the climb feel even more worth it.

It’s steep. The final push to Robin is type II fun at its finest—expect to use your hands and take your time.

There’s no official trail from Tuck to Robin. It’s more like a bootpath. Download maps ahead of time and don’t rely on signage.

The views are next-level. Mount Daniel is front and center, and sunrise/sunset light up the lakes beautifully.

Go early if you want a good site. This place gets crowded on weekends. I went mid-week and had my pick.

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🎒 Packing for a Backpacking Trip

If you’re not sure what to bring or how to pack efficiently, check out this post on how to pack your backpack for my favorite gear, smart space-saving tips, and a full breakdown of what comes with me on every trip.

✨ Final Thoughts

Robin Lake will always be one of my favorite places in Washington—and this trip just confirmed it. It’s grueling, yes, but also grounding and gorgeous in a way that’s hard to put into words. Sometimes you just need wild beauty and quiet air and big, big views.

If you’ve ever camped up at Robin or scrambled up Granite, I’d love to hear about it! Drop your stories in the comments or find me on Instagram at @thetrekkingmama.

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