The Golden Lakes Loop (also called Sawtooth Lakes Loop) is an 18-23 mile backpacking circuit through the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, a quieter alternative to Washington's permit-restricted alpine destinations. The loop connects three alpine lakes, Eagle, Boiling, and Cooney, and passes through some of the densest golden larch forest in the state. With 5,180 feet of elevation gain, well-maintained trails, and no permit lottery, this moderately strenuous route is a good choice for backpackers who want high country without the crowds.
The loop typically takes 2-3 days at a comfortable pace, though strong hikers can finish it in one long push. Counterclockwise from Crater Creek Trailhead is the preferred direction: the first day is a manageable 6-7 mile approach to Eagle Lakes, and you reach the harder Angel Staircase pass once you are more acclimated. Late September through early October is peak larch season, when the golden hillsides here rival the Enchantments.
No wilderness permits or advance reservations are required for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, a major advantage over nearby areas. You do need a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annual or $5 daily) for trailhead parking at Crater Creek. Purchase online through Recreation.gov or use the Scan and Pay function at the trailhead.
Food Storage: As of September 2024, a forest-wide food storage order is in effect through June 2029. All food, food containers, pet food, and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers or kept within 100 feet and direct sight when actively attended. Bear canisters are strongly recommended.
Group Size: Limited to 12 people and 18 stock animals maximum.
Fire Restrictions: Campfires are typically prohibited above 5,000 feet from June through October. Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions are common during summer months. Pressurized gas stoves only. Check current restrictions at fs.usda.gov/okawen before your trip.
Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the wilderness. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to protect water quality and fragile alpine vegetation, and use established sites when available to minimize impact. Equipment cannot be cached or left unattended for more than 48 hours.
Stock Use: Horses and pack animals are common on this loop. Weed-free feed is required for all stock.
Late September - Early October (Peak): Larch season turns entire hillsides gold. The first week of October historically brings peak color, which lasts 10-14 days. Expect freezing nights, possible snow dustings above 7,000 feet, and far fewer people than summer. Eagle and Cooney Lakes ringed by golden larches are the main draw.
July - August (Summer): Reliable weather and fully melted trails, though peak mosquitoes in July are a real cost. Wildflowers bloom in the meadows through late July. This window is popular with families and stock users, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible.
Early July (Shoulder): Snow may linger on north-facing slopes, particularly on the Angel Staircase descent to Cooney Lake, where it can be treacherous. Water sources are abundant from snowmelt. Check recent trip reports for snow levels.
Late August - Mid-September (Ideal): Mosquitoes fade, weather stays stable, and trails are dry. Less crowded than peak larch season, but without the gold.
October onwards: Early season snowstorms can arrive after mid-October. Gaiters and trekking poles recommended. Some years see significant snow by the second week of October.
Wildfire Smoke: August through September can bring variable air quality depending on regional fire activity. Monitor AirNow.gov before your trip.
Water Sources: All three major lakes (Eagle, Boiling, Cooney) hold reliable water year-round. Martin Creek Trail has plentiful water even late season. Eagle Lake Trail has fewer sources, so fill up at the lake. Summit Trail has several stream crossings. There are no unbridged creek crossings on the entire loop, though a small dam aids the crossing at the Eagle Lakes outlet. Filter all water.
Seasonal Reliability: Water is abundant through October. By late season, rely on the lakes rather than the intermittent streams.
Resupply: The loop is too short to require resupply, but the nearby towns work well for pre-trip provisioning:
Mail Drops: Not applicable for this loop.
Black Bears: Multiple bear encounters have been reported in the wilderness. Make noise on blind corners and when hiking downwind. Bear canisters or proper hang systems are essential and now required by forest order. Store all food and scented items properly.
Angel Staircase Exposure: The steepest section gains 1,000 feet over 1.45 miles across an exposed ridgeline. The granite cobble trail is well-maintained but hazardous with snow or ice. The east side descent is brief but steep. The views down to Cooney Lake are the best on the loop; watch your footing while you take them in.
Early Season Snow: Before mid-July, snow lingers on north-facing slopes and at the Angel Staircase pass (7,100+ feet). Expect possible post-holing and routefinding. The Cooney Lake descent is particularly treacherous with snow.
Lightning Risk: The exposed ridgeline at Angel Staircase is vulnerable during afternoon thunderstorms, which are common July-August. Start early so you cross the high terrain by noon.
Smoke: Wildfire smoke has affected the area in recent years, particularly in late July and August. Check air quality forecasts before departure.
Trail Conditions: Generally excellent, with good tread throughout. The loop is popular with horses, so expect stock traffic and wider trail corridors in some sections.
Wildlife: No rattlesnake reports at this elevation, but always watch where you place hands and feet in rocky areas.
From Seattle (211 miles, 4 hours): Take US-2 east over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee, then US-97 north to Pateros. From Pateros, drive north on Highway 153 for 12 miles. Turn left onto Okanogan County Road 1029 (Gold Creek Loop Road) for a short distance, then turn left onto County Road 1034 (Gold Creek Road). This becomes Forest Service Road 4340. Continue 6 miles to Forest Service Road 4340-300 (Crater Creek Road) and drive 4.6 miles to the trailhead at 4,700 feet elevation.
From Spokane (176 miles, 3.25 hours): Take US-2 west through Coulee Dam, then Highway 153 north from Pateros. Spokane International Airport (GEG) is closer than Seattle-Tacoma (SEA).
Road Conditions: Standard passenger cars can typically reach the trailhead, but Forest Service Road 4340-300 is unpaved and rough in spots. High-clearance vehicles are recommended after heavy rain. Check with Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for current road status.
Facilities: Vault toilet, stock ramp and hitch rails, stock water, and picnic tables at the trailhead. The parking area is large but can fill during peak larch season weekends. Crater Creek Campground is nearby for pre-trip camping.
Shuttle Services: Methow Motion ((509) 996-2894, methowmotion20.com) operates under USFS permit and provides trailhead shuttles, though this is a loop, so shuttles are not necessary.
Airports: Wenatchee (EAT) is the closest commercial airport at 94 miles. Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and Spokane (GEG) have more flight options.
Direction Matters: Go counterclockwise from Crater Creek. The first day to Eagle Lakes (6-7 miles) is manageable, and you reach the challenging Angel Staircase once you are warmed up. Clockwise frontloads the difficulty and puts you on the drier Eagle Lake Trail at the end, when water matters most.
Larch Timing is Everything: If you are coming for golden larches, check recent trip reports on Washington Trails Association a week before your trip. Peak color shifts 5-7 days depending on weather. Historically, October 1-7 is the sweet spot.
Camp Selection: Eagle Lakes has the most established sites and the best swimming. Upper Eagle Lake (7,100 feet) sits in a dramatic cirque. Boiling Lake is smaller and less crowded. Cooney Lake at sunrise, with mist and larch reflections, is worth the early wake-up.
Water Strategy: Fill up at Eagle Lakes before continuing. The Summit Trail section to Angel Staircase has streams, but they are seasonal. Top off before the climb.
Mosquito Warfare: July is brutal. Consider waiting until August, or bring a head net and bug-proof shelter. The larvae thrive in the alpine lake margins.
Stock Users: Horses are common. Yield the trail by stepping to the downhill side and waiting quietly. Don't spook the animals.
Late Season: After September 20, pack extra warm layers and expect freezing nights. October trips should include gloves, a warm hat, and gaiters for snow.
Photography: Sunrise at Cooney Lake and sunset at Eagle Lakes are the prime golden hour shots. Angel Staircase has 360-degree views and is worth climbing without a pack if you are here for photos.
Fire Danger: Even when campfires are allowed, use stoves only. Alpine wood is scarce and slow to regenerate.
Wildlife: Make noise consistently. Bears are active through October. Hang or canister all food, toiletries, and scented items, and store trash the same way.
Check Before You Go: Fire restrictions, food storage orders, and road conditions change. Visit fs.usda.gov/okawen or call the Methow Valley Ranger Station at (509) 996-4003 for current conditions.
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