Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Eightmile Lake & Lake Caroline

This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on an easy overnight backpack with an experienced mentor.

  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,300 ft

Meet at the trailhead at 8am, ready to hike at 8:30am

Directions:  From the western edge of Leavenworth (milepost 99 on US 2), follow Icicle Creek Road for 8.4 miles. Turn left on Eightmile Road and continue 3.1 miles to the trailhead. Park on the left side of the road and cross to the trailhead.

NWF pass required for parking

Due to the travel distance, participants may want to camp in the area the night before.  Carpooling is also encouraged for those fully vaccinated.

Exciting opportunity to backpack in the Enchantments this fall (presuming  the fire/smoke situation this season allows)

The permit fee is $15 per person, to be paid to the leader no later than 10 days before the start of the trip.

We may miss the peak of the wildflowers, but the bug peak should also be done

You can read the hike description on the WTA site   Lake Caroline — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

We will plan to hike to Eightmile lake (3.3 miles) and have a snack break, then backtrack about half a mile to the Lake Caroline trail junction.  The trail climbs upward to Lake Caroline and is pretty exposed, so bring lots of water and sunscreen.  there are several creek crossings along the way to refill and refresh.  We will find a nice campsite by the lake for 2 nights.  The next day there is the option to hike an additional 2.3 miles to Windy Pass where the views of the Enchantments are astounding.  

After hiking out on the final day, we can stop for a lunch break in Leavenworth before all heading home.

Route/Place

Eightmile Lake, Eightmile Mountain & Lake Caroline



  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX

    Green Trails Enchantment Lakes No. 209S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader

Trip Reports