Escondido Lake Trail #1320

The Escondido Lake Trail begins at a junction with the Waptus Pass Trail #1329 and ends at Escondido Lake. Trail accesses the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.

SETTING: Creek valley, old-growth forest, meadows, lake.

From its junction with Trail 1329, this trail heads uphill through forest along the north side of Escondido Creek, which is often out of sight in the trees below. There are several steep stretches on this trail, but the overall grade is fairly easy. Near the lake, the trail passes by and through some meadows along the creek. Then it reaches the edge of a large meadow and turns left to the lake.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	June - October
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency Pass required at trailhead Salmon La Sac, Pete Lake. Discover Pass not valid on National Forest lands.
Permit Info:	Wilderness Permit required for entry into Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Self-issue at trailhead bulletin board. Deposit stub and attach remainder to a pack or saddle bag.
Open Season:	Early July - Late October
Usage:	Medium
Best Season:	August
Busiest Season:	July-August
Restrictions:	Mountain bike and motorized use prohibited. Other Wilderness Regulations apply.
Closest Towns:	Cle Elum, Roslyn

General Information

Directions:

Shortest access is from Waptus Pass Trail 1329 via Pete Lake and Pete Lake Trail 1323, from Pete Lake Trailhead.

Activities

Day Hiking

Not commonly a day hike destination since the roundtrip is 14+ miles.

Difficulty Level:	More to Most Difficult

Backpacking

Total distance from the Pete Lake trailhead is about 7 miles, making this a good destination with nice camping options at the lake. Campfires are permitted but please use existing fire rings and do not build new ones. Fire scars make quite a cumulative impact over time!

Difficulty Level:	Moderate

Horse Riding

Escondido Lake is a fine destination for both a day ride or an overnight. If horsepacking, remember no grazing or tethering stock within 200 feet of lake. Camp in one of the two existing well used horsecamps near the large meadow northwest of the lake. Overnight hitching directly to trees is prohibited. Use highline, pickets, or electric fencing. Pack processed (pellets) feed.