🏔 Backpacking to Robin Lakes: Two Nights, One Perfect View of Mount Daniel
There’s something about Robin Lakes that keeps pulling me back. On this particular trip, I had every intention of backpacking to Jade Lake, but at the last minute, I pivoted. (they share the same trailhead) I wanted to go back to the granite slabs and unreal views of Robin and Tuck Lakes. They call it the poor man’s Enchantments. (it rivals the enchantments but doesn’t require the near next to impossible permits) Backpacking to Robin Lakes in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness was high on my list. I had only day hiked to this sweet spot but this time, I had two nights.
With a full day to explore, I added a scramble up to Granite Mountain, which turned out to be the highlight of the whole trip. If you’re looking for a challenging but incredibly rewarding backpacking destination in Washington State, this one’s for you. Read on to see how to make the most of this epic corner of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
🏞️ Robin Lakes Backpacking Stats
- Trailhead: Deception Pass Trailhead
- Total Distance: ~14 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~3,400 feet
- Trail Type: Out and back (with optional loop via Granite Mountain descent)
- Difficulty: Hard – steep sections, boulder scrambling, and route-finding required
- Best Time to Go: Late July through September
- Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required for parking
- Water Sources: Streams near Tuck and Robin Lakes (always filter)
📍 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 begins gently enough from the Deception Pass Trailhead, winding through forest before arriving at the turnoff for Tuck Lake, which is a worthy destination in its own right. The climb to Tuck is tough and seems to go on forever. But from Tuck Lake up to Robin Lakes, it’s a steep, rugged scramble—more of a route than a trail. You’ll be boulder-hopping, grabbing roots and rocks for balance, and reminding yourself that the views at the top will be worth it.
By the time I reached Robin Lake, I was sweaty, tired, and completely awe-struck. The lake is crystal-clear, ringed with granite, and dotted with campsites spread across the rocky slabs—each one more scenic than the last. I set up camp with a view of Mount Daniel, ate a well-earned dinner, and spent the evening wandering between the two lakes. The air was perfectly still, as the clouds rolled in, creating stunning reflections. I couldn’t stop taking photos—Robin Lakes is just that photogenic.
I had hoped to watch the sun sink behind the peaks in total silence before crawling into my tent, but the sky turned cloudy and moody. Still, the scenery was stunning without the alpine glow. I set an alarm for first light and crossed my fingers for a better sunrise.
🏞 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.
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.
🌲 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.
🎒 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.
🎒 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.
