Wednesday 6 May 2009

Hiking Trails - Eaton Lake Trail

Eaton Lake is within the North Cascade mountains of southwest British Columbia near Hope on Skagit Road past Silver Hope Lake. Signpost for the Eaton Creek Forest Recreation Site with the trailhead starting about 200m from the turnoff. Eaton Lake is an 8 km hike starting from Eaton Creek. Eaton Lake lies at an elevation of 1,318 m (4,323 ft.), providing Rainbow and Cutthroat trout. This is a steep 6.5 km climb with an elevation gain of 915 m for those interested in alpine fishing. Camping is available.


[1-Trail to Eaton Lake - click to enlarge]




[2-Eaton Lake trail and the first bridge - click to enlarge]




After crossing this bridge the trail moves away from the creek and into the forest.


The trail continues to climb in switchbacks. At approximately 2,600 ft elevation is a bench, perfect place for a break.

The next 1.5 km are steeper and the last 1.5 km to the lake is easier: crossing a boulder field, then two more bridges. The efforts expended are rewarded with the sight of a beautiful lake.



[3- Eaton Lake - click to enlarge]




[4-Facing Mt. Grant above Eaton Lake - click to enlarge]







[5-Eaton Lake from Mt. Grant - click to enlarge]




For a view of Eaton Lake and surrounding vistas from the summit of Mt. Grant watch this video.



Sources: British Columbia Recreation; B.C. Recreation Sites pdf

Photo Credits: [1][3][4]-Tim Gage CC=nc-sa-flickr, [2][5]-Dru! CC=nc-flickr.

20 comments:

Unknown said...

This seems a challenging yet picturesque trail. Your description of the place and image choices is an impressive way to showcase this trail.

Charles Gramlich said...

What is it about Moss covered logs that just screams nature.

Rune Eide said...

Once again these picture reminds me of vistas cloder to home. Come to think of it - that is not strange.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

This is magnificent country Barbara.

debra said...

Once again, my heart screamed "Road Trip" Then I saw the guy on the fallen tree bridge crossing a raging river, and it shouted, "Are you nuts," as it jumped into my throat.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Tis quite a first bridge, and what a view down from the mountaintop!

PERBS said...

Beautiful place to hike! I would love it . . . except for that bridge -- the currents look too swift below! Is that a two deck bridge? I enlarged it and the swift water below really scared me looking at that narrow bridge above those "rapids." Ü

Teresa said...

Gorgeous pictures, Barbara!! I love the moss-covered logs and the mountain crags above the lake. Thanks for sharing.

Barbara Martin said...

Thomas, because the area is a wilderness recreation site the trail is not kept up as the trails in the provincial and national parks. The lower log in the second photograph was the original cross-over the swift flowing creek, and somehow over the winter it tipped over to a 45 degree angle. There is a wire cable intended to be used as a railing when crossing over.

Barbara Martin said...

Charles, well no one came along to remove the moss, thus making the logs slippery.

RuneE, this location in southwestern British Columbia is very rugged.

Joan, is some instances this area is more remote than the provincial and national parks as there are fewer visitors. On weekdays hikers would have the place to themselves.

Barbara Martin said...

Debra, actually the 'guy' is a 'girl' who has amazing balance and an ability to conquer fear: or perhaps thrives on it.

Gary, bridges two and three are equally impressive though there were no photos in the commons to be had.

PERBS, the second bridge below is the original bridge gone topsy-turvy after the winter. This is a hike for those with balance and adventure in their blood.

Barbara Martin said...

Teresa, a place to get away from it all.

laughingwolf said...

just the about the most beautiful sights i can imagine, thx barbara...

how about a story on the frank slide?

Phoenix C. said...

I love the first photo particularly, with the mossy trunk!

Mihai A. said...

The last picture, of Eaton Lake is absolutely stunning. Thank you for this posts, Barbara :)

L.A. Mitchell said...

Holy cow...no WAY on that mossy log. Beautiful hike, though :)

Barbara Martin said...

Tony, I've looked into the background of the Frank slide to refresh my memory. Just need to put together the narrative and pics.

Phoenix, most viewers seem to be attracted to the moss.

Barbara Martin said...

Mihai, it sets the lake off just right.

L.A., I found that photo first and it captured the adventure that lurks within me: though you wouldn't find me venturing across it. Not safe enough for me.

Vitor Lopes said...

Beautiful photos

Barbara Martin said...

Vitor, welcome and thanks for stopping by.