Trip report by Reuben Slasor
This is a very difficult hike. It took me five hours to reach the lake and four hours to return to my car. I have hiked over 150 miles this season and if I say it's difficult, be prepared for a beating. The hike to Robin lakes starts out easy enough following the Cle Elum river valley. The first three miles is pretty smooth and easy. When you leave the main trail and embark on the old fishing trail, things are not so friendly. The trail is limited in switchbacks and gains altitude quickly.
Photo: A strange rainbow affect over Daniel mountain (Slasor photo).
I took a five minute break at Tuck lake before continuing on the Robin lake trail. I actually used a topography map and determined that a sloping ascent around the back of the mountain to the falls and up was the best approach. There was a very faint trail and an occasional pile of stones to mark the path to the lake.
I walked right into a marmot and he allowed me to take a photo before disappearing into his hole. I hiked straight up until I hit the mountain peak and found the real trail. The trail from this point is basically up the smooth rock slabs until you reach the top, were you will find the lake. If you look to your right, you should locate a trail climbing to the top of Granite mountain.
I managed to capture a strange rainbow affect over Daniel mountain and also some red and yellow reflections on the cliffs above Robin lakes. This was the highlight of the hike for me and I enjoyed a cigar and watched the sun set Saturday night.
I woke the next morning and made the climb to the top of the mountain at 7:00AM achieving 6800'. From the top of this peak you will find a great view spanning all the way to Oregon with Rainier and Hood to your south, and Glacier peak to the north.
I decided to hike west at this point and find the Granite mountain potholes. The lakes are pretty and remote and should provide a secluded hideaway from the people at Robin lake. I took the more frequently used trail down to Tuck lake and it was a nasty decent along the ridge top of the mountain. To take the more frequently used trail, just go left and walk over the log jam between the two lakes.
Stats: High point 6800'.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.