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Eightmile - Trout Creek Trail #1554
Road #7601 accessing Eightmile trailhead is OPEN (5/29/2023)
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.
An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31 in the area between Eightmile Trail and Windy Pass.
The Eightmile-Trout Creek Trail is 8.0 miles long, gains 2,800 feet of elevation, and is open to hikers and stock users. The trail begins about 2.8 miles up Eightmile Lake Trail #1552, and immediately climbs switchbacks of moderate to steep grade, across a recovering burn area providing little shade from the afternoon sun. The trail continues to climb, offering increasingly spectacular views of Eightmile Lake, the canyon below, and the surrounding peaks. The trail levels out and enters wooded terrain when it reaches Caroline Lake, and continues along the east shore of the lake. There are many hiker campsites and a stock campsite at Caroline. The trail continues past Caroline Lake to Little Caroline Lake, where there are more hiker campsites (stock are not allowed at Little Caroline Lake). Beyond Little Caroline Lake, the trail continues to climb gentle switchbacks up beautiful, meadowy slopes, until it crests Windy Pass. The trail then drops steeply down gravelly, eroded switchbacks on the northwest side of the pass. It becomes much less traveled, brushier, and harder-to-follow. The trail heads mostly downhill, crossing lovely meadows and creeks, eventually entering more heavily-wooded terrain and switchbacking down through the old growth forest. The trail crosses Trout Creek, and ends at the junction with Trout Creek Trail #1555. This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
SEE PARKING INFORMATION BELOW.
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 |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31 in the area between Eightmile trail and Windy Pass. |
| Fees: |
|
| Permit Info: | Alpine Lake Wilderness permit required. These are self-issuing at the trailhead. Special overnight permits required from May 15 through October 31 from the Eightmile Lake Trail trailhead to Windy Pass. |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Leavenworth, WA |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass required at Eightmile trailhead. See new parking restriction below. |
| Information Center: | Wenatchee River Ranger District, (509) 548-2550 |
General Information
Directions:The trail begins 2.8 miles up the Eightmile Lake Trail #1552 and ends at the junction with the Trout Creek Trail #1555.
General Notes:
Green Trail Map - #209S The Enchantments
USGS Map - Cashmere Mountain/Jack Ridge, WA
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). 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.
Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. Leave designated overnight parking for permit holders.
Consider carpooling, riding a bike or have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. If you have any questions please call the Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-2550.