Lake Alice (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Alice |
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 Lake Alice
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Alice
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kittitas County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°38′51″N 120°55′03″W / 47.6474148°N 120.9175810°W |
| Primary outflows | Roarking Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 6,037 ft (1,840 m) |
Lake Alice is a beautiful freshwater lake located high up in the mountains of Chelan County, Washington. It sits on the north side of Grindstone Mountain. This lake is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy hiking, swimming, and fishing here. Since Lake Alice is in the protected Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you need a special permit to visit. You can get these permits easily at the trailhead.
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History of Lake Alice
How Lake Alice Got Its Name
Lake Alice was named around the year 1900. A mapmaker named Albert Hale Sylvester explored this area. He worked for the United States Geological Survey, making maps of the North Cascades region. Sylvester decided to name this lovely lake after his wife, Alice. Interestingly, another lake, Lake Sylvester, is located just south of Lake Alice.
Visiting Lake Alice
Getting There: The Chatter Creek Trail
To reach Lake Alice, you'll start your adventure at the Chatter Creek Trailhead. This trailhead is found at the end of USFS Road 7609, near the north shore of Icicle Creek. The main path is called Chatter Creek Trail #1580. It's about 5.5 miles long. The trail follows Chatter Creek for most of the way.
Finding the Lakes
As you hike, the trail will lead you past two beautiful lakes. First, you'll pass Lake Sylvester. It's located to the west of the trail, hidden behind a ridge. This ridge forms a natural bowl, called a cirque, for the lake. Lake Alice is a bit further north. It's also on the west side of the trail, over another ridge. Soon after Lake Alice, the trail turns east. It then joins the Icicle Ridge Trail #1580, which is on the northern slope of Grindstone Mountain.
Permits and Camping
If you plan to visit Lake Alice or Lake Sylvester, you'll need a self-issued permit. These permits are required for anyone traveling within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You can pick up your permit right at the Chatter Creek Trailhead. You can also get one at the campground, past the Guard Station. There are some campsites available along the first few miles of the Chatter Creek Trail. As you get closer to Lake Sylvester and Lake Alice, the trail becomes more forested.
