Hiking Eaton Lake in the Skagit Valley
Contents
Eaton Lake Hike Information
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 8.70Km
Elevation Gain: 962m
Highest Elevation: 1,360m
Average Gradient: 22.11%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~May to November
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Eaton Lake Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°14’53.7″N 121°23’34.0″W
Eaton Lake Overview
Eaton Lake is a relatively popular hike slightly south of Hope, accessed via the well groomed Silver Skagit Road. The entire hike follows a relatively well maintained trail the whole way to the lake, however it does cross a number of creeks along the way, some of which may be a little tricky depending on the conditions.
The lake itself is massive, and the trail only reaches the western shore, with any further exploration requiring off trail travel. Some parties opt to camp at the lake, with a few spots suitable for setting up a tent. Other parties are happy to hike to the lake and return, while some will continue on to the likes of Mount Grant, a much more involved ascent on an unmaintained route to the summit.
Seasonality for Eaton Lake is generally in the summer, with the mid-May to October period likely the best time to go. The lake will only thaw in the mid to late spring due to its elevation at 1,360m. Dogs are permitted on the trail.
In order to access the trailhead, hikers must drive down the groomed Silver Skagit FSR. The trail actually begins from a recreation site that can be somewhat popular with campers. Unfortunately it also has a history of attracting homeless encampments, so you may want to take care with leaving your vehicle with any valuables if so.
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Is Eaton Lake worthwhile?
Eaton Lake is a pleasant hike through some particularly nice moss filled forest lower down. Most of the ascent is a steady climb to the top. The lake itself is very nice, and if this hike were easier it would likely be similarly popular to Lindeman Lake. Thankfully the increased difficulty keeps the hoards at bay, though you can still expect to see multiple groups on a sunny weekend.
How difficult is the hike to Eaton Lake?
At over 22% average gradient this is a steep trail for most of the ascent. Still, it’s a steady climb without ever being overly challenging. The only technical challenge to this trail would be the various creek crossings you’ll have to manage along the route. Most of them are straightforward, with a handline to assist, however there may be one or two where you’re balancing on a log without hand support. This is not an officially maintained trail, so keep in mind any damage to these log crossings are manually repaired by volunteers, so their condition can vary.
Eaton Lake Route Information
The trail to Eaton Lake begins from the Eaton Creek Recreation site along Silver Skagit Road. The road to here is generally in good condition and suitable for all vehicles. There is a small spur at the end that you can drive if you desire, but you needn’t bother as it doesn’t save much time/distance.
From the recreation site you’ll begin following the very obvious trail, which initially begins as a wide path. It soon changes to the standard PNW forest as you continue the ascent. After around 200m of climbing you’ll cross the first log bridge of the day, with the impressive Eaton Creek Falls roaring further up the creek.
Some of the forest sections lower down will be particularly scenic, with some of the finest moss covered terrain you’ll likely see in the region. Make sure to soak it in as it doesn’t last too long before you’re back to regular old forest.
Continuing the trudge, there isn’t too much to see as you wind away from the creek for the next little while, before looping back around and reaching it once again at around 850m. Here there will be a nice photo opportunity of another roaring waterfall.
Between ~850m and 1,200m you’ll cover a series of switchbacks as you continue the ascent towards the lake. Soon enough you’ll reach a couple more creek crossings as the trail meanders around the creek once again. At around 1,300m you’ll briefly cross over a boulder field before soon finding yourself back in the forest.
It’s not long now until you reach the lake, where there will be plenty of space to spread out, take off your pack and enjoy the views. Most parties stop here, take some photos, have some food and head back. If you are planning to continue to Mount Grant, you’d navigate to a log crossing on the outflow of the lake and continue there. There is no maintained beyond here though, so you’d need to self-navigate if you plan to carry on.
When should I hike Eaton Lake?
The lake will only generally thaw in mid to late May, so most parties would consider this the start of the season. The snow will likely arrive again in November, so anytime up to then will likely work fine. Once the snow arrives you probably won’t want to consider this trail
Top Tip
Poles come in particularly useful on this hike for crossing any of the creeks where there isn’t any handrail.
