44
1 photo
  • Wildflowers blooming

1 person found this report helpful

 

Our crew camped at Poplar Flat Campground and spent the week clearing logs off several trails in the Twisp River valley. Louis Lake is now cleared to 4700', Twisp Pass is cleared to the pass, South Creek is cleared to the creek crossing at 4200' (the creek was too deep and swift to pass safely), Copper Pass is cleared to the snow line at 5000', and North Creek is cleared to 4700'. We had lovely weather, only one wood tick, and the wildflowers were out. On the Louis Lake Trail, we saw more calypso orchids than I have ever seen on one trail. The Twisp River Valley, viewed from any of these trails, is gorgeous, with snow still to be seen up high and beautiful spring greens below. The Poplar Flat campground was busy, but not overflowing. There were sites available even on the weekend. The facilities are well kept, and there's a lovely CCC picnic shelter with a fireplace for cool mornings or evenings. It's a great place to car camp and use as a base for day hiking any of the lovely trails in the valley. Getting to high elevation can be done fairly quickly. The trails range from moderate (South Creek) to quite steep (parts of Louis Lake and Twisp Pass). Bring trekking poles for creek crossings, as some of them are still running high.

North Lake — Aug. 27, 2012

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
 
This trail had some nice views and charming sights. It was Ricky and dusty but no bugs, so that was nice. Several small stream crossings, and fairly moderate but continuous elevation change throughout. The lake at the top was pretty, but very underwhelming. The meadows had much more scenic views to recommend the trail. A long drive down twisp river road to get there - I can't help but think that there must be far better hikes in the area that are more accessible.

North Lake — Jul. 11, 2012

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
Beware of: snow, trail conditions
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Hiked with kids
 
Have hiked this trail several times. 15 family members did the hike. Bridge out at main creek crossing had to use a narrow log. Snow for the last mile and at lake. Took a cold dip in the lake ( mandatory for all hikers) beautiful trail

North Lake — Jul. 11, 2010

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
1 photo
Beware of: trail conditions
 
I was curious about this hike as it promised to be fairly short under 5 miles and low enough to be melted out. The Forest Service website makes it sound good. I was fairly disappointed with the trail and lake. The only camping area seems to be the junction of 2 avalanche chutes and has a lot of unsightly broken trees and branches. This is further decorated by bits of hiker/horse litter. On the way out I followed bear tracks, a big bear and a little one, for several miles. They had appeared overnight. If your driving this far, I'd go somewhere else.

North Lake — Jun. 28, 2010

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
  • Wildflowers blooming
 
still has snow starting about 1 mile below lake. Nice wildflower and great meadow veiws down lower. Bridge washed out at creek crossing. Found nicer crossing 200 feet up river.