North Fork Chiwaukum River

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.