Day Hike: Eightmile Lake

Hike Stats:

Where: Central Cascades, near Leavenworth, WA
When I hiked it: August 2013
Length: 6.6 miles roundtrip
Cost: You will need a Northwest Forest Pass, which is just $5 for the day. They can be bought here.
Hike Highlights: I tend to prefer hikes in woodsy areas with lots of trees and varying landscapes. This hike fit that bill perfectly. There are creeks to cross over on logs, towering pine trees, wildlife, and of course – the large mountain lake.

There are a lot of amazing hikes in the Central Cascades. But, a lot of them are for advanced hikers. I enjoy a good hike, but I’ve yet to take on an overnight hike. Instead, I enjoy finding moderate, beautiful day hikes like this hike to Eightmile Lake.

On a Saturday morning, my husband and I left for Leavenworth early to get up to the trail head. We brought just the day hike essentials in his pack, including sandwiches for lunch when we got to the lake. The hike was beautiful throughout, and we saw a lot of small wildlife. My favorite was a little animal perched on a giant boulder, sunbathing with a view. (See pictures below!)

One thing to note is that it was significantly cooler at the lake than it was down by the car. Aside from the elevation causing the temperature to drop, some clouds rolled in once we got there that made it even colder. I’m really glad we had each brought a sweater – I needed it while we ate lunch by the lake.

Check out more information about this hike here!