Monogram Lake Trail

Monogram Lake is a strenuous 10-mile out-and-back from Cascade River Road to a small alpine lake beneath Little Devil Peak. It is 5 miles each way, with 4,040 feet of gain to the ridge; from there the trail drops about 540 feet to the lake, then climbs that slope again on the return. Budget about eight hours. The lower miles are steep switchbacks under forest, so this is a hard day even before the scenery opens.

At 2.8 miles, a signed fork splits the two destinations: left goes to Lookout Mountain; right goes to Monogram Lake. They share the steep lower approach, but they are separate hikes. Stay right for the lake and return to the same road pullout.

A short avalanche opening breaks up the climb. False hellebore and stinging nettles can crowd the tread there; turn around for a view toward Eldorado Peak. Beyond the fork, the route enters the park and opens into subalpine meadows with pink mountain heather, huckleberry and glacier lilies. It climbs to a ridge around 5,400 feet, then descends to the lake. Monogram Lake usually stays frozen until July.

The lake is a small glacial tarn beneath jagged, glaciated peaks. Unlike many high lakes, it has been artificially stocked with fish, which changes the lake's ecology. Black bears frequent the area, so keep food and scented items secured. Stay on the trail, rock or snow around the shore—the meadows are fragile.

Use the small pullout on Cascade River Road about 7 miles from Marblemount; the signed trail climbs sharply from across the road. There is no toilet at the trailhead. Dogs are prohibited after the route enters North Cascades National Park, so they cannot do the full hike. Overnight stays need a limited backcountry permit, and the lake has two small designated campsites; do not camp in the meadows.