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Oval Lakes

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
48.3526, -120.4070 Map & Directions
Length
20.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
6,740 feet
Highest Point
7,705 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
West Oval Lake at sunrise. Photo by valleyjo. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Lakes

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
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This rugged route is long, but there are many options along the way for side trips, stopping spots, and places to relax. Continue reading

Rating
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Hiking Oval Lakes

Most of this trail was burned over in the 2018 Crescent Fire and much of the trail is dry and dusty during the summer.

This route climbs to an old moraine, below Gray Peak, continues up to the Chelan Summit Trail, travels across a fragile slope to a pass east of Gray Peak, and then descends into the basin towards Middle Oval Lake where the maintained trail terminates.

At the outflow of Middle Oval Lake, you can scramble to Oval Peak and the summits of Buttermilk Ridge, where there are unforgettable views of surrounding ridges and peaks are captivating. Spend some time at the pass below Gray Peak or consider scrambling on a couple routes to the summit, for an indescribable view of the Cascade Range with Glacier Peak glistening and dominating the horizon.

Good stock camping in the basin above Middle Oval Lake with graze available. Fishing is good in the lakes. Stock users should travel with care as the burnt up ground sometimes gives way under heavier weights.

WTA worked here in 2019 and 2013!

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Oval Lakes

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.3526, -120.4070 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Twisp, take Twisp River Road (Okanogan County Road 9114) west for 11 miles, then take West Buttermilk Road (County Road 1050) across Twisp River. This road continues as Forest Service Road 4420 for 3.1 miles. Turn left on Eagle Creek Road (Forest Service Road 4420-080) to the end, about 2 miles, to the Eagle Creek Trailhead.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Oval Lakes (#410.2)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books)

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Oval Lakes

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