I wanted to do this trip mid-week, before the "Larch Madness" began. The timing and location were great. Spending the day in the mountains meant I avoided the bad smoke in Winthrop (in the valley).
Very few people are on the trail midweek. I only saw a three folks on motorcycles on the Eagle Lakes Trail, when I was at Lower Eagle Lake. No one was camped at either lake and the only folks I met were 2 backpackers on their way in late afternoon.
The trail conditions were pretty much as expected:
Eagle Lakes Trail: cleared of logs, pretty dusty, and rocky in places (I didn't hike the last 0.6 mile to Horsehead Pass)
Upper Eagle Lake Trail: cleared of logs and easy hiking
Lower Eagle Lake Trail: 25 logs over the trail, moderately difficult for hikers, have to go XC to get around large logs
"NOT MAINTAINED" trail: 22 logs over the trail, a little difficult for hikers, better than the Lower Eagle Trail
Yes, I chose minor obstacles for the trail conditions, since most people go to Upper Eagle Lake.
The views of the peaks and lakes were great. The bright red berry bushes and some yellow brush are starting the fall color show. The larches are just starting to change. So, give it another week or two and this part of the Golden Lakes will live up to their name.
The campsites at the lakes and along the trail are all usable. There is a trickle of water still running near the camp at 3.0 miles.
I had a great hike and enjoyed fishing at both lakes.
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