Bench Canyon Trail #1937

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

High altitude can get fast-changing weather, be ready.

A side trip from the Main Eagle Trail #1922 that saves you several miles on a through hike. This trail starts in Bench Canyon just 2.8 miles into the Main Eagle Trail #1922 and quickly climbs up and out. 1.3 miles in, there is a poorly maintained Heart Lake Trail that climbs steeply up the face to Heart Lake before skirting the shore and becoming a proper trail as it rejoins the Bench Canyon Trail.

It may be best to just go the 2.0 miles on a steady incline to the northern end of Heart Lake Trail if you are going to visit Heart Lake. Continue another 0.3 mile to Arrow Lake above. From here it is a quick 0.75 mile down to a swamp and the Main Eagle Trail #1922 at the 10.8 mile mark. This 3 mile trail cuts 8 miles off the Main Eagle Trail #1922 for a net distance savings of 5 miles. Use this trail to make a 16.6 mile loop out and back from the Eagle Creek parking area.