Distance: 6 miles (9.7km) round trip
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft. (930m)
Upper Dewey Lake may be one of the most intense trails in terms of its incline, but even though it is strenuous, it is well worth the effort. The view from the lake of the Dewey Peaks and of the valley below is sublime. The lake itself is pristine and it is unlikely to find any other fellow hikers up here. If you've made it this far, consider an addition hike to Devil's Punchbowl to round out the trip.
Directions (As listed on nps.gov website) : From Lower Dewey Lake go left at the junction sign, follow the trail north across several wooden footbridges to the Upper Dewey Lake trail junction sign and turn right up the trail. The route climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks. About 800 feet above Lower Dewey Lake there is a view of town. Near the trail’s end, the climb eases, and the route follows Dewey Creek closely for a short way. It finally emerges from the trees into a muskeg meadow, where there are views of Mt. Harding and the inlet below. A primitive cabin sits by the lake and is open to the public. Follow the trail to the left from this cabin across a spillway to a new cabin perched on the northwest end of the lake.