Contact Info
24 West Chewuch
Winthrop, WA 98862
- Phone:
- 509-996-4003
Basics
- Length:
- 7.3 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Season:
- Mid-July to September
Description
A good alternative to more popular lake trails, with good grazing for stock. The trails on the hillside above Eagle Creek (very steep side slope in places) and is through forest most of the way. At 1.5 miles there is a junction with the Oval Creek Trail No. 410A. At 5 miles an unmaintained trail leads to Silver Lake. Nice meadow basin with scattered subalpine trees at about 6 miles, then a short section takes you to the pass.
This route is a good alternative to trails with lake destinations and the associated impacts. The meadows provide the option to graze using hobbles instead of tying stock to trees, which results in damage to roots of trees. The views from the pass are one of the finest in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, with Glacier Peak the dominating mountain this area. A short scramble west to the top of Battle Mountain reveals more of the North Cascades from an elevation of 7710 feet.
Stock user need to exercise caution at 2.2 miles, stock has been know to go off the trail and travel all the way to the bottom of the creek, often injuring the animal and causing it to be destroyed. The side slopes are very steep, and simply slowing down to allow the stock time to assure solid footing can eliminate these tragedies. Some wet, boggy areas also need stock handlers attention to prevent injuries.
No motorized or mechanized vehicles. Wilderness use restrictions apply.
Northwest Forest Pass required. Stock ramp, hitch rail, campground, and vault toilets.