Emerald Park
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A remote Glacier Peak Wilderness traverse from Lake Chelan over Milham Pass to the Entiat River, deep in the backcountry.
About This Trail
Emerald Park is a deep-wilderness traverse in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, connecting Lake Chelan to the Entiat River drainage over Milham Pass. Getting to the trailhead requires a boat ride on Lake Chelan to Lucerne, which sets the tone: this is remote country, and the logistics alone filter out casual visitors.
From Lucerne, the route climbs along Emerald Park Creek through recovering burn zones and brushy sections before reaching the high meadows and lakes that give the trail its name. Milham Pass at 6,700 feet is the high point, with views into the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The descent follows Snowy Brushy Creek down to the Entiat River Trail, where another 6 miles of valley walking reaches the Entiat River trailhead.
WTA trail crews have worked this corridor annually since 2021, keeping the Snowy Brushy section passable. Blowdowns and brush regrowth from past fires remain ongoing issues. Stream crossings along the Entiat River approach can run high in early season. Railroad Creek Road to Lucerne is currently closed due to storm damage, so verify access before planning a trip from the Lake Chelan side.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“WTA's Lost Trails Found Pro Crew spent a week on the Entiat River Trail and up the Snowy Brushy trail from 6/8/2022 - 6/15/2022.”
Last report: May 22, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Stream crossings on Entiat River approach (high water in early season)
- Brushy trail sections from fire regrowth
- Railroad Creek Road currently closed due to storm damage
- Remote location with limited bailout options
- Blowdowns on Snowy Brushy trail
Getting There
Lake Chelan side: boat access via Lady of the Lake ferry from downtown Chelan to Lucerne. Federal Dock Site Boat Permit required May through October ($5 day, $40 season, Chelan Ranger District). Entiat River side: drive to Entiat River trailhead, no entry fee.
From Lake Chelan side, take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Lucerne. Follow Domke Lake Trail to Mountain Lookout Trail junction, keep right. At next junction, go right onto Emerald Park Trail. Climb to Milham Pass, then descend via Snowy Brushy Creek to Entiat River Trail. From Entiat River side, hike 6 miles up the Entiat River Trail to the Emerald Park junction. Check Railroad Creek Road status before planning Lucerne access.
This is a multi-day trip. Plan for 2 to 4 days depending on direction and fitness. The Entiat River approach is more straightforward logistically since it does not require boat access.
Recent Reports
11 of us hiked up the Entiat River trail ~6 miles to a large meadow where we setup our base camp. There are some stream crossing along the way.
I just returned from a multiday WTA trip to help clear up the Entiat River trail and several side trails. The purpose of this trip was to log out the Entiat River Trail and several side trails in the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area.
The trailhead for Entiat River is easy accessed with no issues on the road. Entiat River Trail and Emerald Park Trail are in great shape- the trouble starts up to Pinnacle from the basin below Saska.
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