Sawtooth Lakes Loop, Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest

Activity Notes

We will climb up and over the Sawtooth Ridge in  a remote area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, east of Lake Chelan and adjacent to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth WIlderness. This time of year the Alpine Larches should be at or close to the peak of their fall color,  brushing the open ridges and basins of this remote area with intense streaks of gold.

We will Leave Portland Thursday evening September 22nd and drive to a campsite near the departure trailhead.  We will backpack and camp Friday and Saturday nights, camping near lakes at elevations above 7000', and return to Portland on Sunday.

It is about a 6 hour drive from Portland to the trailhead.

Daily hiking itinerary (subject to change):

Thursday Evening: Drive 5-6 hours to campsite TBD

Day 1: Crater Creek Trailhead  to Boiling Lake,  9  miles, 3200’.

Day 2: Boiling Lake to Cooney Lake,  6 miles, 1700’.

Day 3: Cooney Lake to Crater Creek Trailhead, 9 miles,  350’ gain, 2700’ loss. Return drive to Portland.

Prospectus is here.