Trip report by: Denis Du Bois
"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Many years ago, I started out to hike to Eightmile Lake (which is much less than 8 miles) on a warm August afternoon. The trail wasn't all that popular, so it pushed through a lot of brush, and was not very distinct in the thick forest. The hot weather and still air turned us back at Little Eightmile Lake.
In 1999, I returned to visit this lake at last. Things have changed. First, there is a strict permit restriction on hikers, especially backpackers, who want to visit this area. So far, day-hikers could self-issue permits at the trailhead. Overnighters encounter permit red tape that's tied to protection of the fragile Enchantment Basin at one end, and to Forest Service misinterpretations of the Wilderness Act at the other.
The other big change was brought on not by bureaucrats, but by Mother Nature, in the form of a fire. The trail starts in a mid-1990s burn, and is very exposed most of the way.
Little Eightmile isn't much to look at, but Eightmile Lake is big and beautiful. The trail reaches the lake at the outlet, a talus pile with views up the length of the lake to snow-capped mountains and ridges beyond. We had lunch and basked in the sun, covering up when small clouds passed over and chilled us--ironic, after the hot hike in.
There are campsites along the shore, but beware the aforementioned laws forbidding their use by any but a lucky few.
For a side trip, turn off at Little Eightmile Lake and climb to Lake Caroline, then on to Windy Pass.
Getting there: The trailhead for Eightmile Lake is along Icicle Creek Road outside Leavenworth WA.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.