Golden Lakes Loop

Wow, just returned from an amazing hike on the Golden Lake Loop in the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness and was it ever beautiful. We hit it just right with the flowers all in full bloom, beautiful blue sky days and green lush meadows. This trip was a bit of a drive from Seattle (4.5 hrs) but totally worth it. We drove out Friday afternoon, had a yummy pizza dinner in Pateros and found a camp site along a creek a few miles before the trail head.

We hit the trail early Saturday and began our hike from the crater lake trail head. We came upon a junction with the crater lake trail not far into the hike and stayed to the left to head up to the next junction where we took the martin creek trail up towards Cooney Lake. There was a trail race being hosted that day so we ran into a few runner aid stations dispersed throughout the back country. Some of these people were on a 50 mile run up and down the mountains! We were impressed.

We passed one group of motorcyclists along the way, but very few people. We decided to bypass the climb up to Martin Lake and continue to Cooney as our possible campsite. So far the trail was nice, but mostly just closed forest. Then we began to get above the trees and the area opened up to rocky peaks.

A small tarn on the way to Cooney Lake

Cooney Lake

We arrived that afternoon to Cooney Lake. We found some nice campsites, but the mosquitoes and large group of teenage boys persuaded us to continue onto Sunrise Lake where we hoped to find some peace and quiet. We knew the trail from Cooney Lake would involve a slight descent and then a climb over a ridge and across Merchant Basin. We had already hiked about 8 miles, but didn't mind adding another 2 miles to the day. And that is where we were wrong.

Some how we had a bit of a navigational error and instead of heading towards the ridge to Merchant Basin we dropped down to the Foggy Dew trail. We figured out our mistake, but it was too late. We were now 1200 ft below where we wanted to be and added an additional 5 miles to our hike. Tired and slightly grumpy we began the steep climb into Merchant Basin. Our spirits were quickly lifted though when we saw the beauty of the area. The flowers were out in full glory and the whole area looked like something out of a movie. Think sound of music. We made the final climb up to the lake and agreed we made the right choice.

Sunrise Lake

The view opposite of Sunrise Lake

The outlet of Sunrise

Glorious flower fields

The pink elephant flower- my favorite!

At sunrise we had the lake to ourselves and set up camp right near the outlet. Cooney Lake was beautiful, but this area was really special. Totally worth the 13 miles and 3600 ft of climbing. We slept well that night

The next day, Sunday, was one of the most beautiful days of hiking I've had in a while. We woke up leisurely and headed back into Merchant Basin. This time we were climbing up towards the ridge behind Cooney, where we meant to come in the day before. Again through the glorious flower fields we went with distant Marmots whistling at us along the way. We climbed up into the saddle that bordered the basin and Cooney Lake for breath taking views and a morning snack.

Sweeping views

Taking it all in

Rainier?

After enjoying our vantage point we continued up to the pass above Angel's Staircase. Again we took in more views and enjoyed some lunch.

Then I scrambled up what I believe is Cooney Peak at 8321 for more views.

Summit Register with soggy log

Looking down toward Cooney Lake

Looking toward old maid mountain

Sunrise Lake from the summit

On the pass just above Angels Stair case

Here on the pass we ran into one of the few people we saw on the trail--a mountain biker who was doing the same loop as us, but in one day. Again we were quite impressed. Then we began our decent down Angel's Staircase and into Sunset Basin.

Here the trail flattened out and we wandered through more flowery fields and clumps of trees. At the junction with the Boiling Lake Trail we ran into a friend Marmot. Really I should say, he ran into us. The critter came running straight towards us, until I lifted up my pole out of pure reaction and he darted back into the meadow. I think he's been fed at some point. He seemed a little too tame. Cute little guy though.

Not long after the junction we reached Boiling Lake. We were surprised to see so many people camping around its shores. It was shallow and buggy (although most of the loop was buggy too) and too crowded for our taste so we climbed up to horsehead pass.

Boiling Lake

Boiling Lake from horse head pass

Looking out toward Lower Eagle Lake from horse head pass

Again we took in the amazing views and began our descent down to Upper Eagle Lake where we were going to spend the night. Again the trails got a little confusing in this area, but we found the lake without too much difficulty. The lake was completely empty except for us. We found it strange that so many people were camped at Boiling Lake when we both thought Eagle Lake was much nicer.

Upper Eagle Lake

The campgrounds around the lake were quite lavish. It looked like someone had spent a lot of time playing builder with rocks and logs. Our site had a huge fire ring a table and chairs and some unknown rock cave.

Posh campsite

That night the winds began to pick up which cleared out the bugs. But the temperature dropped quite dramatically sending us to bed rather early.

Sunset over the lake

The next morning was an early cold start. We hiked the final six miles quickly arriving back at the car at 9 am, plenty of time for a second breakfast stop at Cinnamon Twisp. The drive back was also quite beautiful. We took a quick leg stretching walk at the Washington Pass Overlook and felt very lucky to call this beautiful area our home.

Our Route

Lost Lake, Echo Lake, George Lake Loop

I spent the weekend exploring an area entirely new to me--the Norse Peak Wilderness. I had never heard of it until about 2 weeks ago. It's a 50,923 acre piece of land north of Chinook Pass. After hearing some trip reports of a nice snow free loop. I decided to give it a try. The entire loop is about 23 miles and offers lakeside camping each night.

The trail starts at the popular Greenwaters lakes trail head. It is a flat yet scenic 2 mile walk to the pair of Greenwater lakes. This portion of the trail was busy. Think flip flop clad day hikers, but was a nice area none the less. The lakes are green and marshy, but nicer than a lot of lower elevation lakes in the area and have some good camp sites. Not long after passing the lakes the trail splits with the left fork heading to Echo Lake and the right to Lost Lake. Here we bared right and left most hikers behind.

Greenwater Lake

The trail continues through the forest for about 2 miles to Quinn Lake a small turquoise lake tucked a bit off trail. We stopped here for a brief break enjoying the quiet tranquil waters. Then it was back into the forest to continue our climb up to Lost Lake. Lost Lake is about 5 miles from the trail head and about 1400 ft in elevation. It is a large tree lined lake with some grassy camp sites. There were several groups camped around the lake and it was still early so we decided to refill our water and begin the 3 mile, 15oo ft climb up to George Lake.

Quinn Lake

Lost Lake

Once up on the ridge we were treated to some nice views to the north and our first glance of Noble Knob a large rock outcrop. The trail continues just past the knob where an obvious side trail on the right takes you up to the pass. From there we dropped down to the kidney shaped George Lake to set up camp for the night. The lake is relatively shallow which made it warm enough for a quick swim before heading to bed. We had the lake entirely to ourselves and had a sweet campsite overlooking the lake. That night as the temperature began to drop the lake became shrouded in a thin mist. Then we noticed that the logs that had been on the shore earlier were now floating in the middle of the lake. It was a little eerie. There was no wind, but the logs were definitely moving slowly across the lake. We assume the difference in air and water temperature was making a slight current. Crazy stuff.

View from the ridge

Descending into George Lake

Our campsite on the cliff

Noble Knob Reflection

Noble Knob Reflection 2

The next morning we woke to strong winds and cold temperatures and began to worry that a storm might roll in. Our previous blue bird sky day was gone and the clouds were here to stay. We were slow to pack up waiting for the wind to die down and keeping an eye on the sky. Eventually the wind calmed and we headed up onto the ridge. From the ridge I made the easy scramble up to Noble Knob for a cloudy view of the area. This section of the trail is known for its splendid views of Rainier up along the ridge, unfortunately, all we saw was a wall of clouds in the direction of Big R. As we continued along we ran into several unexpected trail junctions and a group of confused fishermen asking us if there were any lakes up here. The area was a little confusing with the many side trails, but we were able to mostly stay on course.

Trail up to the cloudy Noble Knob

Lost Lake through the clouds

A few hours later we arrived at Corral Pass for a late lunch and a few views of peaks breaking through the clouds. Here the trail dumps you out at a trail head and parking area which was a bit of a surprise. Luckily, it's only about 100 yards along the road until you are back on the trail descending to Echo Lake. On the drop down we encountered another group of hikers near the turn off for the small unexciting Hidden Lake. They warned us of the man eating mosquitoes that they had narrowly escaped from and told us to be prepared with lots of deet. We took the warning with a grain of salt, bugs have never been much of a bother to us. Little did we know...

Lupine on Corral Pass

Not long after hearing this warning we began to experience the mosquitoes for ourselves. Not too bad at first, just annoying buzzing around our face while we walked. I was wearing pants and long sleeves so I figured I was mostly safe. Then we stopped for a quick water break and the swarm came. Within seconds of stopping we were being bombarded from all sides by giant clouds of buzzing pests. We agreed to avoid any unnecessary stops and ford onto Echo Lake. Eventually we arrived along the marshy shores of the lake, found a nice spot and set down our packs. Again, within seconds the swarm attacked biting through my layers of clothing. I downed a hat for additional protection, but it was no use, hundreds of blood suckers descended upon me. Without too much thought the decision was made to carry on and look for a campsite along the river.

Echo Lake

Luckily, about a mile past the lake the swarms subsided and we were able to camp at peace at a small site along the river about a mile before the junction. The next morning was a quick jaunt back to the car and the discovery of a flat front tire. A quick change and before we knew it we were in Enumclaw enjoying a tasty breakfast and then back in Seattle.

The route

Copper Glance Lake

Sarah and I headed to the Methow Valley for the weekend to stay at a friends cabin. We woke up Saturday to a bluebird sky and 80 degree weather and decided to head up to Copper Glance Lake--a hike that had been recommended to me by some NWhikers. After a scenic 30 minute drive we arrived at the trailhead.

The hike starts off along an old road that heads up to an abandoned mine. Early into the hike you come upon Copper Glance creek. The original bridge has collapsed, but the boards still remain and we were able to cross without a problem. The road section of the trail was a bit grueling as it climbs about 1000 ft up to the old mine. Luckily the flowers along the trail were coming to life giving us a distraction from the constant climbing. The mine was pretty interesting although we decided not to explore into the tunnel.

Tiger Lilly

The mine

At this point the road turns into an actual trail and makes a hair pin turn to the south. The climbing doesn't stop, in fact, the trail immediately after the mine was probably the steepest of the hike. Have no fear, the monotony of climbing up dusty trails is soon ended by a view of Isabella Ridge peaking over a grassy knoll. At this point it seams as if the lake should be directly in front of you, but the trail cuts to the right and continues to climb. From here on out, we no longer minded the climbing because the beauty of the open meadows filled with flowers quickly made us forget the burning in our lungs and legs. The hike became spectacular from this point onward. The flowers, the blue sky, the craggy ridge; we really couldn't have asked for more...and we hadn't even made it to the lake yet.

The first glimpse of the Isabella Ridge

Lupine, Asters, Forget-me-nots and much more

After crossing the meadows we came upon a small pond, then veered left and headed up a brief but steep gravelly slope. Soon after this you hit the highest point on the trail (again more splendid views) and then begin to drop slightly down to the lake. The lake was fantastic. The water was so clear--clearer than most lakes I've been to. The shores are rocky, but we saw a few dirt spots where you could set up a tent. The lake is also surrounded by larch which I'm sure make this a beautiful fall destination. We sat and soaked up the sun for about an hour. We watched a lot of what looked like trout swimming just below the surface. It was a pretty amazing place. On the way back we decided to scramble up another 50 ft from the trails highest point to a couple of big boulders for a 360 view of the area which I'd highly recommend.

The pond just below the lake

Copper Glance Lake

360 view above the lake

The whole time we were out, we only passed one couple on their way down from the lake. The hike is about 6.3 miles round trip and gains about 2700 ft in elevation. To get to the trailhead from Windthrop take the Westside Chewuch Rd to the eightmile creek road and continue on this until you see the trailhead on the right.