Overview

The Entiat River Trail is a remote, uncrowded gateway into the eastern side of Glacier Peak Wilderness, offering access to alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and dramatic glaciated peaks. This trail appeals to backpackers seeking solitude in a fire-scarred but recovering landscape. The main trail follows a gentle grade along the river for 15+ miles, with numerous side trails branching to destinations like Myrtle Lake, Larch Lakes, Ice Lakes, and the Entiat Meadows beneath towering Mount Fernow and Seven Fingered Jack.

The eastern Cascades location means earlier snowmelt and drier conditions than westside trails, but also means exposure to sun, dust, and limited shade through extensive burn areas. Despite fire impacts, the trail is well-maintained, clearly marked, and offers exceptional solitude—you're unlikely to encounter many other parties. Beginners can target Myrtle Lake at 4.7 miles, while experienced backpackers can explore the high country beyond Ice Creek junction at 11+ miles.

Permits & Regulations

A free wilderness permit is required for all overnight trips in Glacier Peak Wilderness. Permits are self-issued at the trailhead—fill out a form before you depart. No reservations or quotas exist.

Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory throughout the wilderness under orders from both Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests. You must either: 1. Hang food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any tree trunk/limb, OR 2. Store food in an IGBC-approved bear canister

Given the alpine terrain and sparse suitable trees above treeline, carrying a bear canister is strongly recommended for trips beyond Myrtle Lake. Soft-sided IGBC bags or hard canisters both meet requirements.

Other regulations: Maximum group size is typically 12 people. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of lakes and streams (Image Lake, Holden Lake, and Lyman Lake have specific 1/4-mile setbacks). Campfires may be restricted—check with the Entiat Ranger District (509-784-1511) before your trip. Weed-free feed is required for stock animals.

Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day pass or $30 annual) is required for trailhead parking. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.

Best Season

The trail is generally accessible mid-July through mid-October, with late August being optimal for high country access.

July-early August: Snow lingers at higher elevations, especially on north-facing slopes near Ice Lakes and upper Larch Lakes. By early July, the main trail is usually snow-free to about 11 miles, but alpine destinations may require navigation through patchy snowfields. Streams run high from snowmelt, making the Entiat River ford at Ice Creek challenging or dangerous. Mosquitoes are active but manageable with DEET. Wildflowers peak in the meadows.

Late August-September: Best conditions overall. Snow is cleared from all trails, the river ford is safer at lower flow, and mosquitoes diminish. Fall colors appear in late September. Temperatures are moderate but can drop below freezing at night at higher elevations. Wildfire smoke is a concern in late summer—check air quality forecasts, as the exposed trail offers no escape from smoke.

October: Shoulder season with crisp weather and larch trees turning golden, but nights are cold and early storms can bring snow. Most visitors have left. The road may close for winter depending on conditions.

Avoid winter and early spring—deep snow buries the trail, and the access road is closed.

Water & Resupply

Water is abundant from snowmelt streams and the Entiat River itself. Approximately 5 streams cross the trail in the first 8 miles, including Anthem Creek at 2.5 miles. Most have bridges or easy crossings. The trail follows the river, providing consistent access, though you'll need to descend to the riverbank in some sections. Myrtle Lake and Larch Lakes also offer water.

Caution: Streams are reliable through summer but can dry up by late September, especially in low-snow years. Carry extra capacity if hiking late season. Always filter or treat water.

No resupply options exist along the trail. The nearest town is Entiat (37 miles from the trailhead), which has Entiat Food Center—a small grocery store open 7am-9pm daily for basic supplies and fresh meat. For major resupply, drive to Wenatchee (51 miles from the trailhead), which has full supermarkets including Safeway and Costco. Wenatchee also has Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) for fly-in access. No mail drops or shuttle services are known to operate in this remote area.

Hazards & Challenges

Wildfire impacts: Multiple fires (Wolverine Fire 2015, Duncan Ridge Fire 2014, Tinpan Fire 2006) have burned much of the trail corridor. Expect miles of exposed, shadeless hiking through dead standing trees. Hazards include snags that can fall without warning, hidden stump holes, hanging branches, and fallen logs across side trails. The main Entiat River Trail is cleared annually, but expect 10+ logs above Ice Creek junction. Stay alert and avoid camping under dead trees.

River ford at Ice Creek: At approximately 8.2 miles, a bridge is missing where the Ice Creek Trail meets the Entiat River. When water is low (late summer), the ford is thigh-deep and swift but manageable for experienced hikers. In early season or high water, it can be dangerously deep and fast. Trip reports vary from "easy" to "turned around due to unsafe conditions." Scout the crossing, unbuckle pack straps, and ford early morning when glacial melt is lowest. A broken log spans the river but is not recommended.

Exposure and weather: The burned landscape offers minimal shade. Bring sun protection, extra water, and start early to avoid afternoon heat. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer—avoid ridges and exposed areas. The alpine environment above treeline brings rapid weather changes and exposure to wind.

Wildlife: Black bears are present—hence the food storage order. Hang food or use canisters. No grizzly bears are documented in this area. Rattlesnakes are possible at lower elevations. Marmots and mice are curious and persistent around camps.

Navigation: The main trail is clear and well-signed at every junction, but side trails (Ice Creek, Larch Lakes) can be overgrown and faint through burn areas. Bring a map and GPS.

Smoke: Late summer wildfire smoke can blanket the area, even from distant fires. Check https://wasmoke.blogspot.com and AirNow.gov for forecasts. Poor air quality can make the shadeless trail miserable or hazardous.

Getting There

From Wenatchee, drive north on US-97A for 14.4 miles to the town of Entiat. Just after the bridge, turn left onto Entiat River Road (County Road 19). Follow this paved road for 27 miles, where it becomes Forest Road 51. At 34 miles, the pavement ends and the road becomes Forest Road 5100 (gravel). Continue 3.3 more miles to the Entiat River Trailhead at road's end (37.3 miles total from Entiat).

Road conditions: The gravel section has minor potholes and areas narrowed by erosion where passing oncoming vehicles requires care. The road was closed 2014-2017 due to mudslides but has been repaired. However, road closures can occur—as of January 2026, Railroad and Preston Creek closures are in effect on the Entiat District. Always check current conditions with the Entiat Ranger District (509-784-1511) before driving.

Trailhead facilities: Vault toilet and approximately 80 parking spaces. No potable water—bring your own or filter from the creek 100 yards down the trail.

Access notes: High-clearance vehicles are not required, but the gravel road is rough. 2WD sedans can make it but take it slow. The nearest airport is Pangborn Memorial in Wenatchee (26 miles from Entiat). No known commercial shuttle services operate to this remote trailhead.

Alternative trailhead: Some hikers access the area via North Fork Entiat Trailhead or Ice Creek Trailhead for loop options.

Tips

Camp selection: Established sites exist at Myrtle Lake (north and south ends), Snowy Creek Meadows (6.1 miles), and near Ice Creek junction (8.2 miles, with a new privy). The first campsite in Entiat Meadows (around 11.25 miles) has the closest water. Camp in established sites to avoid trampling regenerating vegetation. In burn areas, avoid camping under dead trees ("widowmakers").

Timing strategy: Start early to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Plan to ford Ice Creek in early morning when glacial melt is lowest. If targeting Ice Lakes or upper destinations, late August is optimal for snow-free conditions.

Mosquitoes: DEET repellent is essential in July and early August, especially around meadows and 5,100-foot clearings. Cool mornings reduce activity.

Side trip priorities: Myrtle Lake (4.7 miles) is ideal for beginner overnights. Larch Lakes offer stunning alpine scenery with meadows between upper and lower lakes. Ice Lakes are challenging but rewarding. The Entiat Meadows and high country beneath Mount Fernow (15+ miles) are for strong hikers seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.

Photography: Sunrise and sunset light on the glaciated peaks (Maude, Fernow, Seven Fingered Jack) is spectacular. Fall larch colors glow in late September.

Post-hike recovery: Entiat has limited services, but Wenatchee (1 hour drive) offers restaurants, breweries, and hotels. Lake Chelan is nearby for a scenic post-trail recovery.

Wildfire awareness: In active fire years, monitor https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen for closures. The Lower Sugarloaf Fire has caused recent closures on the Entiat District.

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