Cold Lake

Cold Lake is a beautiful small, glacially fed turquoise lake at the foot of Conrad Glacier and Gilbert Peak (8,182’) deep within the Goat Rocks Wilderness. To access the lake you’ll need to be comfortable with a bit of route finding and off trail travel. While it doesn’t require anything too difficult, the lake does lie over a mile from the end of the nearest trail.

Begin from the Conrad Meadows Trailhead. Pass through some private property, then enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Continue following the South Fork Tieton Trail until you come to an unmarked junction. Turn right. You’ll switchback gradually up. At the next unmarked junction turn right again. Now you’ll climb steeply.

Continue along the trail until it levels out and comes to yet another junction. Turn right again. Follow this trail as it passes through a beautiful meadow area. There are two great campsites located near a stream in this meadow, and are actually preferable to camping at the lake.

Continue following the trail ahead. You’ll cross Conrad Creek, with a glimpse of a waterfall upstream. Cold Lake lies just above the waterfall, but obviously ascending directly to it isn’t an option.

Instead, continue straight along the trail until it peters out. You’ll then need to look for a suitable route up the slope ahead of you, with a goal of contouring to the left and to the lake.

Choosing a good route will lead you easily up the slope and to a flat bench. Once you’ve gained the bench it’s easy walking directly toward Gilbert Peak. Follow the bench to the creek, and the creek to the lake.

Cold Lake is fed by Conrad Glacier directly above. The name is quite accurate as the water is shockingly cold! Camping isn’t the best around the lake, but there are a couple areas that could make due.

Once you’ve enjoyed the scenic high elevation lake, return the way you came.