Ridge Lakes
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The trail crosses steep, loose volcanic scree that can shift underfoot — ankle rolls and falls are common, especially on the descent. Move deliberately and plant your poles.
Snow lingers in the cirque well into July most years, potentially obscuring the trail near the lakes. If you hit a snowfield on the upper section, turn back unless you have microspikes and can read the terrain.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early morning before 9 AM — the trail is fully exposed with zero shade, and afternoon sun on volcanic rock turns this into an oven by midday.
Bring trekking poles for the descent, not just the climb. The loose volcanic scree on the way down is where most slips happen, and tired legs plus steep grade plus ball-bearing gravel is a recipe for a bad time.
Once you reach the lakes, follow the use trail left around the larger lake to a flat rock shelf with unobstructed views of the cirque wall — far better lunch spot than the first shoreline you hit.
Photos
NPS
