Cooney Lake, Chelan Summit — Monday, Jul. 26, 1999

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Golden Lakes Loop - July 27-29. After having heard reports of massive snow everywhere, we were unsure if we'd be able to complete the entire Golden Lakes Loop, which runs from 4700-8000' in the Lower Methow area. But, with some minor adventure, we made it all the way around the 23 mile loop in the alotted time. We did the loop counterclockwise, ascending from the Eagle Lakes trail to Middle and then continuing on to Upper Eagle Lake on the first day. No snow encountered on the trail until just before Upper Eagle Lake. Lots of dust due to the horse and motorcycle riders being allowed on the trail. The second day we climbed over Horsehead Pass (~7500 feet) which had a small patch of snow right at the top, but which was easily avoided via a side path. Continuing down the other side to Boiling Lake, we encountered very little snow (none at the lake) and turned left onto the Chelan Summit Trail at about 6500'. Climbing back up to about 7100' we encountered a little more snow at the pass near ""Switchback Peak"", although nothing steep or requiring any gear. No snow at all on the slopes of Switchback Peak, just gorgeous views in all directions from the 8000' viewpoint. The real fun came when we attempted the descent to Cooney Lake. This is a very steep descent which the trail handles with numerous switchbacks - however, it was totally snow-covered! Much too steep to hike down, although perhaps you could do it with crampons and an ice axe. Fortunately, there is a section of exposed rock/vegetation between parallel snow slopes that allowed us to scramble down to the basin below. A little hairy at times, but go slowly and easily and you can make it. Cooney Lake is all melted out but there's still a few feet of snow in the shady areas around the lake. The final day, we left Cooney Lake and returned to the Eagle Lake trail via the Martin Creek trail #429. No major problems encountered here except for some areas where a creek has washed out or flows over the trail, and an established ford through Eagle Creek. Overall a lovely hike, but possibly best to wait this year until September when the snow is less of a problem and you can also enjoy the yellow larch trees (they're all green now). Beautiful flowers abound though on the trail right now. This is definitely lupine country! Weather was clear and sunny (80s) the whole time, and the bugs were out in force (bring your insect repellent!). Very few people encountered on the trail, and no motorcycles! One horse group passed us at the end of the third day, kicking up a lot of dust!