Jack Creek, Jack Ridge & Trout Lake via Jack Trout Trailhead — Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2005

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area

Trout Creek - Jack Creek Loop This is a 13-mile loop trip that features a stop at Trout Lake, and great views of the Windy Pass country and the west side of Cashmere Mtn. The trailhead for Jack Creek trail (#1558) is located just past the Rock Island Campground on Icicle Road near Leavenworth. The trail begins with gentle switchbacks in open forest above Jack Creek. At 1.2 miles hit the first junction, and turn right and continue upwards on the Trout Creek trail (#1555). The trail works up and around the nose of Jack Ridge and emerges in an old clearcut high above Trout Creek with views south to Eightmile Mtn. while Trout Lake is out of sight below and ahead. The trail crosses into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and drops down to meet Trout Creek. Shortly afterwards, 5.2 miles from the trailhead and four miles from the Jack Creek cutoff, reach the intersection with the Eightmile Creek trail (#1554). If you want, turn left here, cross Trout Creek and climb to Windy Pass and Lake Caroline. To continue with the loop go straight ahead at the junction another half mile to Trout Lake. The trail at this point is improved over the last year or so, I think possibly by a WTA crew. In past years the intersection between the Eightmile Creek and Trout Creek trails was unsigned and the trail to the lake was lost. It wasn't clear whether the trail to the lake went up the east or west side of the creek. Now the junction is signed and the trail is obvious and easy, a half mile further to Trout Lake. The local consensus is that Trout Lake is seldom visited. Maybe because USFS first moved the trail following the logging in the area, then lost the new trail through neglect. Maybe because it can be spooky on some days down around the creek crossing. Never mind, the lake is in a beautiful spot below Eightmile Mtn. and the trail is short and moderate. Many campsites at the north end of the lake, and water is easily accessible from the exit creek. The Trout Creek trail ends at Trout Lake. The loop continues here where the Jack Ridge Trail (#1557) begins. The trail is clearly marked and in good shape, although apparently lightly used. A mile and a half to the summit provides great views of the ridge country to the east, including Cashmere Mtn, the area around Windy Pass, and Eightmile Mtn. The drop from here down to rejoin the Jack Creek trail is supposed to be just two miles but seems longer. Go this way and you'll be convinced you never want to try the trip going the other way. Rumor has it that just two miles further up the Jack Creek trail are nice meadow camps popular with hunters in the Fall. To finish the loop, continue straight down the valley on a horsepacker highway that takes you efficiently back to the starting point near Icicle Creek.