The right fork at the trailhead is the North Creek Trail. The route starts out through an old timber harvest unit and then ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. At about 1 mile the trail then follows North Creek, at 1.5 miles you enter the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The route continues, crossing avalanche paths and sub-alpine forest to the lake.

The open meadows provide good views of Abernathy Ridge and across the Twisp River to the Sawtooth Range. The wildflowers put on an amazing display during July in these meadows. At about 3.25 miles an un-maintained trail on the left, the Abernathy Pass Trail, takes you to over 7000' and continues into Cedar Creek. The lake is in a beautiful sculpted glacial basin on the north side of Gilbert Mountain.

At about 1.75 miles, an avalanche chute crosses the trail, which may hold snow into July, use caution when crossing this hazard. The basin above the lake may have mining activity. If exploring this basin be aware of vertical shafts and loose rock. There is no bridge over North Creek and may be difficult to cross at high water.

No motorized vehicles. Party size limit of 12 people and 18 head of stock. No caching allowed.

Northwest Forest Pass required. Large parking lot with loading ramp; hitch rails, and toilet.