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Cow Creek Meadows
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Remote Entiat meadows reached through a recovering burn zone with connections to Larch Lakes and Pomas Pass.
About This Trail
Cow Creek Meadows sits deep in the Entiat Mountains, reached by a long approach from the Entiat River Trailhead. The first 3.6 miles follow the relatively flat Entiat River Trail through terrain scarred by the 2015 Wolverine Fire, then the route crosses an impressive bridge over the Entiat River and climbs steeply to Myrtle Lake before the final push to the meadows. That last mile gains roughly 1,300 feet with minimal shade and no water, so fill up at the lake.
The meadows themselves are a broad, grassy basin at around 5,000 feet with established campsites tucked in the trees at the edge. Wildflowers peak in July, and the open views across the burn zone to surrounding peaks make this feel truly remote. This is prime backpacking country, with connections to Larch Lakes, Pomas Pass, and the broader Entiat trail network for multi-day loops.
The Entiat River Road (FR 51) is roughly 38 miles from the town of Entiat. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead, plus a free self-issue wilderness permit. Trail volunteers have been active clearing blowdowns, but expect some downed trees and brushy sections, particularly above Myrtle Lake.
Seasonal Highlights
Mountain Weather
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Trail volunteers cleared blowdowns on the Cow Creek Trail up to about 5,100 feet in early June 2025. Snow and fast-flowing creek crossings halted further progress above that elevation. Expect brushy conditions and possible blowdowns beyond the cleared section.
“While we had aimed for a backpack site in Cow Creek Meadows, the heat of the weekend led us to pivot plans.”
Last report: Jun 6, 2025
Scorecard
Very lightly visited. The long drive and long approach keep traffic low. Expect to see a dozen cars at the trailhead on peak weekends, but most are headed elsewhere in the Entiat system.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Final mile to meadows is steep, exposed, and waterless
- Blowdowns common throughout the trail system
- Stream ford required after Entiat River bridge
Getting There
Entiat River Trailhead near Cottonwood Campground. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Drive Entiat River Road (FR 51) approximately 38 miles from the town of Entiat to the trailhead near Cottonwood Campground. Follow the Entiat River Trail 3.6 miles, then branch left across the bridge.
Recent Reports
While we had aimed for a backpack site in Cow Creek Meadows, the heat of the weekend led us to pivot plans. We backpacked into Myrtle Lake on Friday, and set up camp at the south side of the lake, taking care to avoid camping under hazard trees as much as possible.
I was part of a WTA Back Country Response Team (BCRT) that worked several trails feeding into Myrtle Lake, Cow Creek Meadow and the Larch Lakes basin. Our group of 13 (joined by Entiat USFS Ranger Sam for the last 2d) logged out the Cow Creek Trail (1404) up to the creek draining the meadows (about 5100 feet, where snow and the fast-flowing creek halted further progress), and the Larch Lakes Trail (1430) up to lower Larch Lake (about 5700 ft) where snow again halted further progress.
Parked at the Entiat River Trailhead around 9:45am Saturday morning, about a dozen cars in the lot and a sign that volunteer workers were on the trail. Didn't see them but none the less, many thanks!
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