Chopaka Lake

Total Miles
26.1

Elevation

1,086.96 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

This trail is mostly gravel state and county roads leading through the Sinlahekin Wildlife Refuge. It goes up the steep Chopaka Grade overlooking Palmer Lake and Palmer Mountain (historic gold mining country) and to Chopaka Lake, a favorite camping, swimming, boating, and fishing spot near Loomis, Washington. You'll bypass Conconully on this route, but it's easy to return back through the Sinlahekin and continue south to town for full services (motels, state park, RV parks, bars and restaurants, and a mini-mart/gas station). This route links with the Loomis Forest Nine Mile route, as well as routes near Conconully such as Ruby Grade and Loup Loup. High clearance is recommended, and 4WD is required in snow which can be on the ground from fall to early summer. Expect rocks, steep shelf roads with limited turnouts, and minor washouts. Chopaka Lake has an established campground and pit toilet with a picnic area.

Photos of Chopaka Lake

Chopaka Lake
Chopaka Lake

Difficulty

High clearance is recommended due to frequent rocky sections with minor washouts and potholes, lots of washboard areas, and even the short sections of paved road being frequently covered with gravel due to limited road maintenance. The steep shelf roads have limited turn-outs for passing.

History

Most roads are mining roads or for fishing and hunting.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

Highway-legal vehicles can easily access this trail via Pine Creek Road off Highway 97 near Riverside, heading west to the Fish Lake area and then north through the Sinlahekin Wildlife Refuge to Loomis and the Chopaka Grade. OHVs need to start from Conconully or Loomis.

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