Eightmile Lake and Lake Caroline

 Headed back to Leavenworth for another fabulous wildflower hike. We hiked up Eightmile Lake (3.3 miles one way), then hiked 1/2 mile back down the trail to hike up an additional 3 miles to Lake Caroline. Overall 12.5 miles with 3,300 ft of gain.
From the beginning of the trail, there were many fields of lupine.

There were lots of mariposa lilies early in the hike, including this large patch.

We had some views of Eightmile Creek as we hiked up the trail.

 It rained in the morning and the clouds were low, so we didn't have any views of the nearby mountains. We were so captivated by all the wildflowers, it didn't matter.

Besides the rain (off and on), there was lots of running water from small creeks,

to a gushing Pioneer Creek.

There is a nice, wide, stable log over Pioneer Creek.

But for all the other water crossings today, we a mixed bunch mix of lose logs and occasional rocks.

These trails go through an area damaged by an old forest fire. This has allowed a wide variety of wildflowers to bloom.

 In 2.8 miles, we reached Little Eightmile Lake.
From here, the trail splits: to the right up to Lake Caroline; to the left over to Eightmile Lake.

 We decided to so the 0.5 miles over to Eightmile Lake, before returning and heading up to Lake Caroline.
Picture: the other side of Little Eightmile Lake.

This trail somewhat follows Eightmile Creek up over a boulder field towards Eightmile Lake.

 Eightmile Lake, clouds were lifting and lowering while we were here.

 Wide angle photo from the east end of Eightmile Lake.

As we hiked back over the boulder to the Lake Caroline trail, we saw this marmot.

The 3 mile trail up to Lake Caroline had lots of wildflowers in bloom.

Even in the clouds, the wildflower colors were brilliant.

grouse

Much of this hillside is in the old forest fire area.

 Nearing the pass before Lake Caroline, we had a little snow falling down on us.

 View of Lake Caroline from the other side of the pass.

From the pass, the trail descends 110 ft in 0.25 miles. There were a few snow patches to cross. The snow was soft and we did not need traction.

 At Lake Caroline, view from our lunch spot

After hiking back up to the pass, we found patchy blue skies and views that had been hidden by the earlier clouds. Looking south-southwest.

New to us views has we returned down the trail.

View of Eightmile Lake from the Lake Caroline Trail.

We finally were able to see the nearby mountains along the lower trail during the afternoon as we hiked back to the trailhead.

 Nearing the trailhead, we could see Dragontail and Coldchuck Peaks.
















Some of the many wildflowers in bloom along the trail today: