Larch Lakes (Entiat) — Saturday, Jul. 20, 2013

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan

We started the trip at the Entiat River Trailhead, at the end of Entiat River Road. The trail was well marked and maintained, but a couple things are important to note: avoid the stock ford, and bring industrial strength insect repellent. If you're hiking without stock, turn left to go by Myrtle Lake and then cut up to the Larch Lakes trail - continuing down the Entiat River trail to the Larch Lakes junction will take you through a section of the river that is too deep to safely ford. The climb up to the lakes is fairly long and steep, especially in the 90+ degree heat, and it's mostly exposed for the last half. It's a beautiful hike, and the lakes are gorgeous, but the mosquitos are AWFUL right now. When you're moving they're manageable, but as soon as you stop they swarm. A few on our trip have HUNDREDS of bites, despite spending most of the evening hiding in the tent. Make sure you bring mosquito-melting insect repellent.