Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer

Dorothy Lake | Bear Lake | Deer Lake

Day hikers and backpackers alike visit Lake Dorothy, a very large and beautiful lake less than two miles from the trailhead. Once there, they either rest and play for the day, or continue on to Bear and Deer Lakes, a pair of very pretty smaller lakes deeper in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Drive Hwy 2 some 45 miles east of Everett. Between mileposts 45 and 46, turn south on the Old Cascade Highway toward Money Creek Campground. You'll be confronted immediately by a sign proclaiming "Road Closed in 1.1 Miles." No problem, drive the 1.1 miles and just before the final Road Closed sign, turn right onto the Miller River Road. This is initially marked as Forest Road 6410, then becomes 6412. It's about nine miles to the trailhead. The road is unpaved, and the first part may be reasonably smooth. In the final few miles, be alert for possible potholes. There is room for perhaps 20 cars at the trailhead. There is a toilet, but no immediate source of water. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.