Contact Info
24 West Chewuch
Winthrop, WA 98862
- Phone:
- 509-996-4003
Basics
- Length:
- 2 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Season:
- July to Mid-October
Description
Take the Eagle Creek Trail No. 410 for 1.5 miles, then the Oval Creek trail #410A for about 6 miles to the beginning of the Oval Lakes Trail, this trail is steep in several sections and traverses fragile soils above 6800'. Up through open sedge meadows and subalpine trees, the trail climbs to an old moraine then begins traversing below Ray Peak, and continues up to the Chelan Summit Trail. Then travel across a fragile spree slope to a pass east of Gray Peak and descend into the basin toward Middle Oval Lake, where the maintained trail terminates. At the outflow of Middle Oval Lake are opportunities to scramble Oval Peak and the summits of Buttermilk Ridge with unforgettable views.
Sensational views of surrounding ridges and peaks are captivating, spend some time at the pass below Gray Peak or consider scrambling one of a couple routes to the summit, for an indescribable view of the Cascade Range with Glacier Peak glistening and dominating the horizon. Stock camp in the basin above Middle Oval Lake has limited graze available. Fishing is good at the lakes and opportunities to scramble Oval Peak and the summits of Buttermilk Ridge with unforgettable views.
The Oval Lake's have been heavily impacted, please practice minimum impact camping and help keep the wilderness untrammeled for future generations. Stay on the trails in areas of exposed soils, at these elevations the soils and plants are extremity fragile.
The trail lies entirely within the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. No motorized or mechanical use allowed. Party size limit 12 people and 18 head of stock. Cutting live vegetation, caching, and tying stock to trees overnight is prohibited. Day use only for stock at West Oval Lake. Please tie stock at hitching rail located above the lake.
Northwest Forest Pass required. Parking area at the end of road with loading ramp and hitch rails and toilet.