Lake Nanita Trail

Lake Nanita Trail is a 21.2-mile out-and-back from North Inlet Trailhead, first to Lake Nokoni and then across the ridge to Lake Nanita. The route is about 10.6 miles each way and gains roughly 3,000 feet. Published totals vary by about half a mile; this record uses 21.2 miles for the full return through both lakes. This is a hard, high-elevation day, not a quick lake stroll. Allow 10 to 12 hours. The distance and accumulated climbing are the challenge more than one unbroken steep pitch. If you want a short walk to an alpine lake, pick another trail.

The first miles follow a broad, relatively gentle trail through the North Inlet drainage. At Summerland Park, the river bends through a wide open meadow, with forested slopes around it. Watch for deer or moose here. Beyond the meadow, the valley tightens and the trail climbs toward Cascade Falls, about 3.4 miles from the trailhead. The creek drops among large boulders, then the route continues mostly under trees, with occasional smaller openings. At Big Pool, the water squeezes through rock into a deep, bubbling basin. This long approach is more about moving steadily through the valley than collecting viewpoints, so save energy for the lakes branch.

At the lakes junction, leave North Inlet, drop to a creek crossing near another waterfall, then start the steady switchbacks toward Ptarmigan Mountain. Filtered views widen as the lower forest gives way to subalpine flowers and granite. Lake Nokoni is the first big payoff: a broad granite slab slopes right into the water, with Ptarmigan Mountain’s jagged profile across the lake. Stop here long enough to enjoy it, but remember Nanita is still ahead.

Lake Nanita adds about 0.9 mile each way beyond Nokoni and roughly 300 feet of climbing. A short, steep rise crosses the ridge; the trail then drops through a soggy meadow to Nanita’s shore. Across the water, a sheer rock face breaks into tall, monolith-like towers. Frame some of the lake beneath the cliff to show its scale. If your legs or daylight are running short, turn around at Nokoni. That skips the last ridge but still leaves a very long hike back to the car.

Reach North Inlet Trailhead from West Portal Road on the signed gravel access road, which climbs past a water-filtration plant to the parking area. There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water. North Inlet Junction is about 7.5 miles in; it has a privy and creek water that must be treated. Backcountry campsites lie along the corridor, but an overnight requires the park’s permit and campsite reservation. Dogs are prohibited on park trails. Check current park access information before driving in, and give the long return enough daylight.