Trail Overview
The Eagle Lakes trail is a moderate climb from the Crater Creek Trailhead up to the start of Horsehead Pass and the nonmotorized hiking spur trails to Eagle Lake and Upper Eagle Lake. The first couple of miles of the trail are moderately easy, mostly being a well-used and wide dirt trail that is benched into the side of the hill through dense forest, with sweeping hairpin turns and minor roots and rocks, passing the intersection with Martin Creek Trail. There is an exposed section right away on the east end, where the trail cuts across a hillside next to a rock wall with small loose rock and a small embedded rock face. The west half of the trail becomes a bit rockier as well, riding through a unique section with a long granite slab of rock with short ledges and drop-offs, and across a boulder field. The trail gains about 2,400 feet elevation over 5.5 miles as it rides from east to west, and has excellent views on the west end as you pop out of the trees on more exposed hillsides. This trail is popular with horseback riders and hikers, especially on weekends. There are many narrow sections of trail where passing equestrian users will be difficult. Please share the trail respectfully.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate trail with frequent moderate obstacles, including switchbacks, rocks and roots, and narrow sections for side-hilling. There are several rockier sections with slab rock and boulders. Log hazards will be common in the early season, but the trail was cleared of any downed logs by early summer by local volunteers who help maintain the trails.
Access Description
A valid Digital Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency Recreation Pass is required for each vehicle parked at Crater Creek Trailhead. Washington State Discover Passes are not valid at US Fee Sites.
Day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day.
