This was an overnight hike to Juanita Lake going up Boulder Creek Trail and coming down Purple Creek Trail with a side trip to Boulder Butte.
The unseasonable warm and dry weather of mid-October 2022 tempted me up to Juanita Lake to see the larches changing color. I was hoping the longer trail up Boulder Creek would make it a less arduous than going up Purple Creek. It may be, but not by much. The 12 miles and 5800 feet vertical gain took 8 hours.
The Boulder Creek trail was in remarkably good shape with only a couple of recent blow-downs I had to clear a path through. There was ample water along the trail despite the long dry summer and late season. The last water before Juanita Lake is the creekcrossing just before Reynolds campground. The Boulder Creek trail is also much less exposed to the sun, making it a far better approach if starting in the afternoon than going up Purple Creek trail which can be a frying pan.
The larches appeared as you crest the ridge for the final couple of miles and they were in full color. Juanita Lake had more water than expected, but use the tiny creek flowing at the end of the trail past the campsites (turn right downhill from the brand new vault toilet) for drinking. The view from the Juanita Lake campsites looking out over the Sawtooths cannot be beat.
Broke camp at dawn and headed for Stehekin over Purple Pass. Did the the half mile detour up to Boulder Butte which is well worth it with a 360 degree view. Purple Creek trail is in good shape with only one huge log to scramble around. It took about 4 hours from Juanita Lake to Stehekin including the detour to Boulder Butte.
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