Indianhead Basin Trail #1250
This historic trail within Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is not maintained, except for the section from Indianhead Pass to the junction with the Surprise Lake Trail #1249. This maintained section of trail is only accessible from the Surprise Lake Trail and not accessible from Lake Chelan.
Great views can be had, from the pass separating Indian Head Basin and Surprise Lake. The section of trail from Indianhead Pass down to Fish Creek was last logged out in 1995 and is not scheduled for any maintenance in the foreseeable future.
At a Glance
Best Season: | Summer, Fall |
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Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply |
Information Center: | Chelan Ranger District. |
General Information
General Notes:Maps: Green Trails- Prince Creek
Parking:
There are two main parking areas (for a fee) for up lake travel when using the Lady of the Lake services. The Boat company dock in Chelan and Field’s Point Landing, located 17 miles out of Chelan on the South Shore road.
Field's Point Fees:
Day Use 3-12 hours: $5.00
Over Night: $7.00
5-7 Days: $30.00
Directions:
From Twisp, drive west on Twisp River Road / County Road 9114. At about 10 miles the county road joins Forest Service Road 44. Go Turn left on West Fork Buttermilk Forest Service Road #4300/County Road 1091. Turn right on Spur Road #500 to West Fork Buttermilk Trailhead. Hike West Fork Buttermilk Trail #411 over Fish Creek Pass; approximately 10 miles to junction with Summit Trail #1259. Hike south on Summit Trail for 2 miles to junction with Surprise Lake Trail #1249. Hike on Surprise Lake Trail 1.3 miles to junction with Indianhead Basin Trail #1250. This route is entirely a wilderness route and is not open to motorized traffic.
OR
From Chelan, drive north on Highway 97 to Pateros. Turn left onto Highway #153 for 17 miles. Take the Gold Creek Road #4340 / County Road 1034. Take a left on Gold Creek Road and go 6 miles to Crater Creek Road #4340-300. Take Crater Creek for 4.6 miles to the Crater Creek Trailhead. Take Eagle Lakes Trail #431 for 8 miles to Horsehead Pass where the trail crosses into the Chelan Ranger District and becomes the Prince Creek Trail #1255. Continue on Prince Creek trail another 2 miles to junction with the Summit Trail #1259. Turn right up the Summit Trail and go 9 miles to the junction with Surprise Lake Trail #1249. Hike on Surprise Lake Trail 1.3 miles to junction with Indianhead Basin Trail #1250. The first 11.5 miles of this route is in the Sawtooth Backcountry/roadless area (before entering the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness) and is open to motorbike use.