Chiwaukum Summary

24 miles to Larch Lake roundtrip but the connections to other trails make for endless possiblities. This was our first backpacking trip and despite the climb of 4,000 feet, the mosquitos and the life threatening snow descent, we love it. In fact this trip was the one that convinced us that the pain was worth the gain.We've been sold on backpacking ever since.Ok now for the facts. Chiwaukum Creek Trail #1517 starts out on a road that meanders through private land until you reach the actual trailhead and begin an immediate ascent.In the first five miles the ascent equals 1,200feet and the trail is well marked.In fact this is probably the easiest part of the hike.There are several campsites along the way and horse camps down by Chiwaukum Creek. If you have horses the ford crossing is right there but if you're of the two-footed variety then you'll have to cross the log. There is a sign that tells you which way but if you're not looking for it then it's easy to miss. After the "bridge" the trail enters the lowlands. This part is realtively flat but what i remember being the most hellish section of the trail. When we were up there {end of June} the snow melt and wet conditions made for excellent mosquito breeding grounds.There were several campsites here but i would definitely not reccommend it due to the wet ground and hourds of mosquitos. Here #1571 continues south and #1591 North Fork Chiwaukum Trail goes west towards Chiwaukum Lake.{This is the way we went}. Here the work starts getting hard . First is the Glacier Creek cutoff which continues south to a horsecamp and now the trail west is horse free.There are two creek crossings one with a bridge and the other with the bridge neatly piled up on the other side. This requires a foot ford and the easiest and safest spot is right there by the trail. Good spot for lunch{waterfall} because you'll need the energy for the climb ahead. The trail switchbacks 2,100feet up the side of a mountain and over a saddle and down into Chiwaukum Lake. There are numerous campsites but you have to follow the trail for another 1/4 mile for campsites near the lake.

Part Two....

At these campsites is the cutoff for The Scottish Lakes to the north. Chiwaukum Lake is a great place to camp but as tempting as a swim may be, I would definetly advise against it.Personal experience. Here Trail #1591 continues up and through Ewing Basin.A place surrounded on three sides by mountains that seemingly rise out of nowhere. The Basin is breathtaking but the trail hard to follow if not impossible especially during spring meltoff. Alicia and I ended up following a game trail which thankfully lead us directly to Larch Lake. The trail officially ends here and once you get there you can see why.There is no place else to go unless you are up for some rigourous hand and foot scrambling. Larch Lake is cold and while there are campsites there and along the rocky banks, I would definetly advise against camping there. A better idea would be to camp at Chiwaukum Lake and day hike to Larch And Cup Lakes....A total of five miles and 600ft elevation gain that can easily be hiked in a couple hrs. Now for the good part. If you don't think that you have gotten high enough and want to see some more, Cup Lake is some 300feet above Larch Lake.Here is where the scrambling comes in. On the Green Trails map it shows a unmaintained trail leading up to Cup Lake... there is no such trail in fact the only way is straight up with fancy footwork and good balance. Add the snow that rarely leaves all summer and you have interesting climb up and a scary slide on your butt ride down. Now you can't actually get to the lake because it is totally surrounded by granite walls but there is a ledge that overhangs the lake. And at almost 7000 feet, the view is spectacular.