Oval Lakes Trail #410B

From Eagle/Oval Trailhead take Eagle Creek Trail #410 for 1.9 miles. Enter Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and take the left fork, Oval Creek trail #410A, for another 6 miles to the beginning of the Oval Lakes Trail #410B. This trail is steep in several sections and traverses fragile soils above 6,800'.

Most of this trail was burned over in the 2018 Crescent Fire and the ground is dry and dusty in the summer. Those with stock should travel with care as much of the burnt ground could give way under heavier weights. The trail climbs to an old moraine then begins traversing below Gray Peak, before contining up to the Oval Pass Trail # 1259.13, and connecting with the Chelan Summit Trail #1259 .

The trail travels across a fragile spree slope to a pass east of Gray Peak and 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 for unforgettable views.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	For current trail conditions go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices
Open Season:	Early July
Best Season:	August
Busiest Season:	August
Restrictions:	Wilderness regulations apply Certified weed-free hay required for stock on national forest land (processed grain okay).
Closest Towns:	Twisp, WA
Water:	No potable water
Restroom:	at trailhead only
Passes:	A 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 (Buttermilk Road) right turn 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. Then take the Eagle Creek Trail #410 for 1.9 miles, cross stream and turn left at the junction with the Oval Creek Trail #410A, take the Oval Creek Trail #410A for 6 miles to the junction for Oval Lakes Trail #410B stay to the left .

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Lake fishing at Middle Oval and East Oval Lakes.

Day Hiking

See additional information under Backpacking.

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 Oval/Eagle Creek Trailhead.