Larch Lakes (Entiat)
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
Remote alpine lakes wrapped in golden larch, deep in the Entiat backcountry.
About This Trail
Larch Lakes sits in a remote hanging valley high above the Entiat River, reached by a long but rewarding backpack through Glacier Peak Wilderness. The trail starts flat, following the Entiat River for 3.5 miles before a junction where you choose your route: ford the river for a direct climb, or stay left past Myrtle Lake on a longer but drier path. Either way, the final push to the lakes gains elevation steeply through old forest and past a waterfall that signals you are getting close.
Two alpine lakes occupy the basin. The lower lake sits in a bowl rimmed by subalpine fir and larch. The upper lake, a half-mile farther, is larger and more open to the surrounding ridges. In October, the western larch trees turn the basin gold. The color can be intense when the light hits right, and because of the remote access, you will likely share the show with very few other people.
This is a serious undertaking as a day hike. Most people come in for two or three nights, using the lakes as a base to explore the surrounding ridgeline, Cow Creek Meadows, or the connection over to Ice Lake. Bugs can be fierce through July. Come in fall for the larches and the solitude.
Mountain Weather
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We decided to go the more direct route and not take the Cow Creek Trail… likely a bad idea, as the trail crew was working out that way.”
Last report: May 23, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- river ford on direct route
- steep final climb to lakes
- bugs through July
- long remote road access
- snow lingers into late June at lake elevation
Getting There
Same trailhead as Entiat River Trail at end of Forest Road 51. Long gravel approach past Cottonwood Campground. Northwest Forest Pass required. Vault toilet available.
Follow the Entiat River Trail 3.5 miles to the fork. Right fork requires fording the Entiat River (dangerous in high water) for a more direct route. Left fork continues to Myrtle Lake and approaches from the south, adding distance but avoiding the ford. The Larch Lakes Trail (1430) climbs steeply from the junction to the lower lake at roughly 5,700 feet.
For overnight trips, start whenever you can manage the 38-mile drive up FR 51. If attempting as a long day hike (not recommended), start before dawn. The river ford is safer in the morning before afternoon snowmelt raises water levels.
Recent Reports
Our group camped two nights at Myrtle Lake, and decided to day hike it to Larch Lake. We decided to go the more direct route and not take the Cow Creek Trail… likely a bad idea, as the trail crew was working out that way.
Daisy (My Lab) & I headed up the Entiat River in search of Larch Lakes. We made it to the Larch Spur, but the number of downed trees quickly turned the trail into an obstacle course.
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.
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