North Fork Chiwaukum River
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A historically important Chiwaukum backcountry route that is currently nearly impassable due to years of blowdowns and neglect.
About This Trail
The North Fork Chiwaukum River Trail historically provided access to Chiwaukum Lake and Larch Lake, west of the popular Enchantments area. The 12.4-mile roundtrip route begins 7 miles up the Chiwaukum Creek Trail, follows the valley floor for 1.3 miles to a Glacier Creek junction, then climbs steeply through fire-damaged forest for 2 miles to Chiwaukum Lake and another 4 miles to Larch Lake. On paper, this is a rewarding backcountry route into the heart of the Chiwaukum Mountains.
In practice, the trail is nearly impassable. Years of deferred maintenance and winter storm damage have left hundreds of blowdowns across the path, with devil's club and brush reclaiming the corridor. Trip reports from 2020 through 2024 unanimously describe the route as extremely difficult to navigate, with half the trail invisible under downed trees and overgrowth. The most recent report (August 2024) confirms conditions have worsened. Hikers attempting this route should expect serious bushwhacking and be prepared to turn around. Campfires are prohibited above 5,000 feet, and stock animals cannot pass Glacier Creek.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The North Fork Chiwaukum River Trail is a nightmare of jagged blowdowns that have completely buried the trail.”
Last report: Aug 24, 2024
Scorecard
Virtually no one attempts this trail given its current condition.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Hundreds of blowdowns across trail
- Dense devil's club and brush obscure the trail
- Trail frequently invisible
- Remote location with difficult escape if injured
Getting There
Access via Chiwaukum Creek Road 7908, about 11 miles west of Leavenworth on Highway 2. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Recent Reports
THIS TRAIL IS IMPASSIBLE hundreds of blow downs extremely overgrown and half of the time the trail is not visible had to stop because the wall of the devil's club blocking the trail.
In case you were wondering, the overall status here has not changed - in fact, it's probably WORSENED since these earlier reports. TRAIL IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO NAVIGATE.
I hiked up the Chiwaukum Creek Trail with the original goal of reaching Chiwaukum Lake, but due to trail conditions, ended up at lakes Flora and Brigham instead. The North Fork Chiwaukum River Trail is a nightmare of jagged blowdowns that have completely buried the trail.
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