08 WASHINGTON

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

A dream-worthy destination near Leavenworth, this rugged wonderland of deep valleys, glistening lakes and granite peaks is crisscrossed by 615 miles of trails, including the famed Pacific Crest Trail. Streams spilling out of more than 700 lakes and ponds dash through meadows of wildflowers in summer, and trails lead through moss-draped temperate rainforests to ridgetops with views of mountains marching into the dusky distance. —Leslie Forsberg

STELLAR TRAIL

Icicle Gorge Nature Loop is an easy 4.2-mile riverside ramble through a fragrant pine forest. wta.org

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Rent one of nine huts at Alpine Lakes High Camp. The off-the-grid site, at 5,000-foot elevation, offers backdoor access to a network of trails in thousands of acres of wilderness. This remote launch pad is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and backcountry skiing.

At night, stargaze and swap tales around a fire. alpinelakeshighcamp.com

THE ENCHANTMENTS

This achingly beautiful high-elevation fantasyland is the crown jewel of the wilderness, and worth every drop of sweat it takes to get there. Rounded granite knolls are pocked with crystalline lakes lashed together by a dashing creek. Rock spires, mountain goats and larches - a fir that turns golden in fall—are among the spectacles.