Eightmile Lake Trail #1552
Road #7601 accessing Eightmile trailhead is CLOSED (11/01/2023)
The road accesses Eightmile and Colchuck/Stuart trailheads. The road is closed to vehicles every winter to protect the roadbed from damage and prevent hazardous travel on the steep exposed snow covered road.
See ADVISORY about dam repair work at Eightmile Lake.
Reservations are required for overnight use from May 15 through October 31.
SEE PARKING RESTRICTION BELOW.
This scenic and heavily used trail within Alpine Lakes Wilderness has moderate grades, ending at the lake surrounded by high, jagged mountains in a little more than 3 miles. The trail meets up with and follows alongside an old logging road, then crosses a log bridge and continues to climb steadily uphill through forested and sometimes muddy terrain, until it crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. From there, the trail winds through heavily-wooded areas, with spectacular flowers during the summer, until it begins to climb switchbacks of moderate grade. The trail follows these until it passes Little Eightmile Lake on the left, and the junction with Eightmile-Trout Creek Trail #1554 on the right. Eightmile Lake Trail continues for another 0.5 miles, up switchbacks that cut across a recovering burn area and a large talus field on the east side of Eightmile Lake, ending at the lake itself, which is surrounded by high, jagged mountains. Eightmile Lake is within the Enchantments wilderness area, so please see the Enchantments Lakes permit information section for more information. Camping with stock is not allowed at Eightmile and Little Eightmile Lakes.
DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS
DOGS ARE PROHIBITED
DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited.
Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent DO NOT QUALIFY AS SERVICE DOGS under the regulation and are NOT ALLOWED. Defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. Part 35.136.
This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | See Current conditions information |
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Reservations: | Reservations are required for overnight use from May 15 through October 31. |
Fees: | Permits for overnight use by reservation from May 15 through October 31 are $5 per person per day. |
Permit Info: | Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. These are self-issuing at the trailhead. Special overnight permits required from May 15 through October 31. |
Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Leavenworth, WA |
Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass required at Eightmile trailhead. See parking restriction below. |
Information Center: | Wenatchee River Ranger District, (509) 548-2550 |
General Information
Directions:The trail begins at Eightmile Trailhead located 3 miles south of Icicle Canyon road on Eightmile Road #7601.
Maps:
Green Trail Map - #209S The Enchantments
USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain, WA
General Notes:
Vicinity Map of Enchantment Permit Area Zones
Parking:
Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up) beyond Eightmile Trailhead. For vehicles parking on road or in parking area -- a NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or the Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes with Enchantments overnight permit must be on display on your vehicle’s dashboard. Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road.