Eagle Lake Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

This is a very scenic trail. It starts in forest, travels across open slopes with views of the Columbia River Basin, and then it begins to climb up valley through subalpine forest and meadows to Horsehead Pass.

Take Crater Lake/Eagle Lake Trail (stay on Eagle Lake) for 7 miles to Horsehead Pass. Drop 700 feet to Boiling Lake (6,900 feet). From Boiling Lake, take a trail due South toward the next pass (7,400 feet).

The meadows put on an excellent wildflower display in July. At 3.5 miles, there's an outstanding view of the Columbia River basin to the east and at 5.4 miles an outstanding view of the Lower Eagle Lake and Horsehead Pass, complete with rock benches. Access trails to Lower and Upper Eagle lakes are about 1 mile long each. The view from the pass overlooks Lower Eagle Lake, Lower Methow Valley, and the Columbia River. The basin to the east, and on the opposite side of the pass Boiling Lake and Entiat Mountain across Lake Chelan, dominate the horizon.

Highlights: The Eagle Lakes Trail is popular for all trail users and may well be the most used trail in the Sawtooth backcountry. This is a very scenic trail and is designated as a National Recreation Trail. It also provides access to the Chelan Summit Trail.

Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Bicycles, Hikers, Motorbikes yield to horse's when meeting on the trail.

Trailhead Facilities: Northwest Forest Pass required. Stock ramp, hitch rail, campground, vault toilets, and water tank.