Black Peak via Wing Lake Trail

The terrain is diverse and rugged. Initially, the path is defined, but after Heather Pass, you'll encounter a boulder field en route to Lewis Lake. From Lewis Lake, the trail ascends through meadows and larch forests before reaching Wing Lake. Beyond Wing Lake, the vegetated trail ends, giving way to small scree trails and a moraine leading to a snowfield or loose scree. The final push to the summit involves a very steep gully, loose scree, and significant scrambling over exposed rock formations, often requiring hands and feet.

The full roundtrip hike to Black Peak is approximately 12 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain. While it can be done as a very long day trip, many hikers choose to camp overnight at Wing Lake to break up the journey and make it more manageable. Komoot estimates the moving time for the main route to be around 6 hours, but this doesn't account for breaks, scrambling, or the challenging final ascent.

The route typically starts from the Rainy Pass/Rainy Lake Trailhead. This trailhead is located off Highway 20. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.

Yes, this trail is located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is generally required for parking at the trailhead. You can purchase these passes online or at ranger stations. There are no specific entrance fees for the National Forest itself, but parking passes are necessary.

Dogs are generally allowed on leash in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which is where the majority of this route lies. However, it's important to be aware that this trail borders North Cascades National Park, where pet regulations can be stricter. Given the challenging terrain, including steep scree and scrambling, this route may not be suitable for all dogs, even if permitted.

The best time to hike this route is typically from late July through September, once the snow has melted from the higher elevations. Early fall, particularly late September to early October, offers stunning views of the golden larch trees, adding to the already incredible scenery. Be prepared for colder conditions and potential early snow in the shoulder seasons.

The scenery is consistently breathtaking. You'll pass by several high alpine lakes, including Lewis Lake and the stunning Wing Lake. There are beautiful meadows, dramatic cliffs, and in the fall, vibrant mountain larches. From the ridgeline and especially the summit of Black Peak, you'll get panoramic views of surrounding mountains, including a close-up perspective of Goode Mountain. Don't miss the View of Black Peak and Wing Lake.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of several paths. You'll follow parts of the Wing Lake Trail and the Maple Pass Loop Trail. Additionally, smaller portions of the Black Peak Trail, Bridge Creek Trail, and the Thunder-Park-Bridge Cross-Park Trek are part of the overall journey to Black Peak.

While there are named sections like the Wing Lake Trail, the 'Black Peak via Wing Lake Trail' is more commonly understood as a challenging mountaineering route to the summit of Black Peak, rather than a single officially designated and maintained trail for its entire length. The path becomes less defined and requires route-finding and scrambling skills, especially beyond Wing Lake.

Given the difficult terrain and scrambling, essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and layers of clothing for varying weather conditions. Many hikers recommend trekking poles for navigating the loose scree sections. A helmet is also advisable for the final gully ascent due to potential rockfall. Don't forget navigation tools, a first-aid kit, and sun protection.

While the views from Black Peak are unique, if you're looking for stunning alpine scenery with potentially fewer crowds or a less technical challenge, consider exploring other trails within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or nearby areas of the North Cascades. The Maple Pass Trail, for instance, offers incredible views and fall colors, though it can still be popular.