Holden Lake — Tuesday, Aug. 24, 1999

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan

Looking for a place with fewer bugs led us to this lake. Can't say that it worked- ie still many bugs- flys and wasps. One needs time for this area as must take the Lady of the Lake up Lake Chelan and get off at Lucerne. Then you need to take the Holden Village bus up to the village (or walk the step, 12 mile road.) It is late in their season now so was room on the bus and room at the village. The bus in included if you stay overnight in the village ($50/day with 3 meals) or is $10 if you do not. We camped in the ""Holden baseball field"" the first night and later actually stayed at Holden Village. One can have any meals one wants at the village- basic and rather vegetarian but not bad. The snack shop, open a few hours a day, is to kill for if you want a LARGE ice cream sundae for $1.50 ( 6 scoops !). So... the lake. It is 11 miles round trip- 2100 ft gain. No flags except bugs- trail in good shape. If you go further up valley you end up on the way to Lyman Lake so a busy trail. The lake receives water from a large glacier on the east side of Bonanza Peak. Waterfalls cascade over a large granite cirque and into the lake. Pretty! A mother couger and twin cubs had been spotted there by several parties the week before. It was relaxation for us after a trip into the Enchantments earlier in the week. Still looking for an area with fewer bugs!!