Waptus River

The Waptus River winds through a broad glaciated valley in Washington’s Cascade Mountains within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, feeding the large alpine Waptus Lake before joining the Cle Elum River. Its landscape features old-growth forests, rocky bluffs, clear ponds and views of peaks such as Bears Breast and Summit Chief. Hikers and equestrians follow the gentle Waptus River Trail with modest elevation gain, backpackers camp along the lakeshore, anglers catch trout and paddlers enjoy moderate whitewater stretches.