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Oval Creek Trail #410A
Trail enters into Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The trail is steep in several sections and traverses fragile soils above 6800 feet. Most of this trail was burned over in the 2018 Crescent Fire and much of the trail is dry and dusty during the summer. Stock users travel with care as the burnt up ground sometimes gives way under heavier weights.
The trail climbs to an old moraine, travels below Gray Peak, continues up to the Chelan Summit Trail, travels across a fragile slope to a pass east of Gray Peak, and then descends into the basin towards Middle Oval Lake where the maintained trail terminates.
At the outflow of Middle Oval Lake are opportunities to scramble Oval Peak and the summits of Buttermilk Ridge with unforgettable views. Sensational views of surrounding ridges and peaks are captivating. Spend some time at the pass below Gray Peak or consider scrambling on a couple routes to the summit, for an indescribable view of the Cascade Range with Glacier Peak glistening and dominating the horizon.
Good stock camping in the basin above Middle Oval Lake with graze available. Fishing is good in the lakes.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | For current trail conditions go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | Recreation pass required. ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead). |
| Open Season: | Early July |
| Best Season: | August |
| Busiest Season: | August |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. Certified weed-free hay required for stock in national forest (proccess grain okay). |
| Closest Towns: | Twisp, WA |
| Water: | no potable water |
| Restroom: | at trailhead only |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Eagle/Oval trailhead. . ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead). |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Twisp take Okanogan County Road 9114 (Twisp River Road) west for 11 miles, then take County Road 1050 (West Buttermilk Road) across Twisp River, stay to right going west. This road continues as Forest Service Road 4420 for 3.1 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 4420-080 (Eagle Creek Road) to the end, about 2 miles, to Eagle Creek Trailhead. Follow Eagle Creek Trail #410 for 1.9 miles where both trails enter Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. After stream crossing at Eagle Creek take left fork onto Oval Creek Trail.
Oval Creek Trail continues southwest and climbs to West Oval Lake and links to Oval Lakes Trail #410B which leads east to Middle Oval Lake.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Lake fishing at West Oval Lake.
General Info:
General NotesWest Oval is open for hiker camping only (no stock camping).
Middle Oval Lake has the potential for being heavily impacted like most lake destinations, please practice minimum impact camping and help keep the wilderness untrammeled for future generations. Stay on the trails in areas of exposed soils, at these elevations the soils are extremely fragile as are the plants.
General Notes
West Oval Lake is open to hiker camping but closed to stock camping.
Middle Oval Lake has potential for being heavily impacted like most lake destinations, please proactice minimum impact camping and help keep the wilderness untammeled for future generations. Stay on the trails in areas of exposed soils, at these elevations the soils are extremely fragile as are the plants.
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Sensational views of surrounding ridges and peaks are captivating, spend some time at the pass below Gray Peak or consider scrambling one of a couple routes to the summit, for an indescribable view of the Cascade Range with Glacier Peak glistening and dominating the horizon. Stock camp in the basin above Middle Oval Lake has limited graze available. Fishing is good at the lakes and opportunities to scramble Oval Peak and the summits of Buttermilk Ridge with unforgettable views. Specific Hazards/Difficulties: The Oval Lake's have been heavily impacted, please practice minimum impact camping and help keep the wilderness untrammeled for future generations. Stay on the trails in areas of exposed soils, at these elevations the soils and plants are extremity fragile.
This trail gives access to a potential loop hike by going over Oval Pass Trail #1259.13 to Summit Lake Trail #1259 over Eagle Pass to Eagle Creek Trail #410 and back to Eagle/OvalCreek Trailhead.
Horse Riding
The Oval Lake's have been heavily impacted, please practice minimum impact camping and help keep the wilderness untrammeled for future generations. Stay on the trails in areas of exposed soils, at these elevations the soils and plants are extremity fragile.
Viewing Plants
Sensation colors with gold alpine larches in the fall.
Viewing Scenery
Lakes are surrounded by rugged mountain views.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: |