Lake Donald
Central Cascades
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“in August I attempted to reach Chiwaukum Lake via the Chiwaukum Creek trail.”
Last report: Oct 5, 2024
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
- Trees Down
Getting There
Recent Reports
in August I attempted to reach Chiwaukum Lake via the Chiwaukum Creek trail. After pushing through head high brush with rattlesnakes, two encounters with rattlesnakes that (despite me waiting for several minutes each time) did not want to leave the trail so I had to bushwhack around them, and finally reaching the east fork trail to find a tangle of frustrating blowdown.
We stayed at Alpine Lakes High Camp October 12-15 and hiked from there. We took the road from camp to McCue Ridge Trail (#1574) and then to Loch Eileen Trail (#1584A).
Smoke caught us at the last minute but we gave it a go anyway for a short overnight. Can't comment on the views though :( FYI that the Lake Ethel trailhead says the trail is closed for a portion and you must go around on logging roads.
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