Eagle Creek Trailhead to West Oval Lake

A long forest hike leads to a gorgeous lake

Hiking Difficult

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 1.2 km
Descent: 51 m
Duration: 4-5 hrs

Low Point: 919 m
High Point: 2.1 km
Gradient: 12˚

Eagle Creek Trailhead to West Oval Lake Map

Starting at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, about half an hour outside of Twisp, this is a remote hike through a truly wild part of the Cascades. The route passes through the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness area and - as is the case in all US wilderness areas - no mechanized vehicles are allowed in, which means no bikes, no ATVs, and no helicopter if you run into trouble. Be prepared for a wilderness experience!

Looking towards Gray Peak from the shore of West Oval Lake Photo: Charlie Boscoe

The magnificent toilet at West Oval Lake Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

The hike up to the Oval Lakes is peaceful and enjoyable, but the views only start to reveal themselves towards the end of the journey. For most of the route you'll be passing through dense forests so enjoy the ambience but don't expect any high mountain views.

As you emerge into the upper part of the Oval Creek valley the vistas begin to reveal themselves, and they're worth the effort you'll have put in to see them! Grey Peak, Courtney Peak and their subsidiary buttresses are all stunning, and loom over the Oval Lakes intimidatingly.

There is a small campground at West Oval Lake, with a magnificent toilet (see our photo above!) and some flat spots being the only facilities. The lake serves as the water source but there are no garbage facilities - pack it in, and pack it out!

The other 2 Oval Lakes (Middle and East) are a little further off the trail but are equally stunning. Dropping your camping gear off and then detouring to go for a look at them before returning to West oval Lake is highly recommended. If the sun is still on the lake then a swim is a good but chilly option!

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.