White Heather

Trailhead elevation: 8800 feet
High point elevation: 9,560 feet
Washington Lake elevation: 9,362 feet
Elevation gain: 958 feet
Access: mid-June through October
Road: 2-wheel drive, rough washboard surface
Maps: Sawtooth NF, USGS Washington Peak, Boulder Chain

Features: Easy fishing, hidden tarns, ridge walking, Lake 9,520

Washington Lake is a mile from Fourth of July Lake and offers a side trip to families staying there, or its own campsites. For more privacy, avoid over used choices by the outlet. From Fourth of July Lake, the trail climbs over 200 feet up, past a rocky pond (look for animal footprints), then drops nearly 200 feet to Washington Lake.

For exploring, wander up the flower-covered ravines coming off the west canyon wall or climb the steep east ridge for a view of Castle Peak. Also, Lake 9,520, unofficially called "Martha Lake" lies a mile southwest from Washington Lake. Use USGS maps to find it -- we’ve been asked to not divulge the routes.

Some hikers use Washington Lake Creek as access to Chamberlain Basin -- unless you’re riding a horse or mule, this is the LONG hike in to Castle Peak (a quicker route: see Three Cabins Trailhead - Chamberlain Basin).

Cautions: Expect to see and hear some motorcycle traffic although 98 percent of all use is non-motorized recreationists.