Copper Lake

A pleasant hike that begins by crossing the Foss river. Past Trout Lake the trail takes a steepish climb up an open slope that leads to the welcome sight of Copper Lake. This large beautiful lake was named for the ore miners found in the area and is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It holds mostly Eastern Brook Trout with an occasional report of Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout. Well established campsites fill up quickly on a weekend. Other nearby lakes offer additional fishing opportunities.

Getting here:

On Hwy 2, 1.9 miles east of Skykomish take the Foss River Road turnoff. Continue 4.7 miles then turn left on FS #6835. Follow road to its end and the signed trailhead #1064. Follow the trail to the recently repaired bridge crossing over the Foss river, past Trout Lake at 1.5 miles reaching Copper at 3.75 miles with ~2300' of gain.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 132.00 ac.
Elevation: 3965 ft.
TRS: T24R12E SEC3
Center: 47.602358, -121.333052
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Fishing resources

Fish stocking info

Release Location: COPPER LK (KING)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Aug 18, 2023	Cutthroat	80	382	TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Sep 13, 2007	Rainbow	80	321	TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Sep 10, 2002	Rainbow	150	250	TOKUL CR HATCHERY
Sep 6, 1997	Rainbow	150	265	TOKUL CR HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Photos

Photo by WDFW