Eightmile Lake Hike and Overnight Camping Trip
If you're searching for a stunning Washington State hike that combines alpine scenery, accessible trails, and a true wilderness camping experience, Eightmile Lake in the Central Cascades should be at the top of your list. Located near the charming town of Leavenworth, Washington, this moderate day hike and overnight backpacking destination offers some of the most rewarding views in the Pacific Northwest — without requiring the elite fitness level of harder routes like the full Enchantments traverse.
Whether you're a Seattle day-tripper looking for a 7-mile round trip hike, a family planning a first backpacking trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, or an outdoor photographer chasing dramatic mountain lake reflections, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Hike Eightmile Lake? (And Why the Central Cascades Are Underrated)
Most first-time visitors to Seattle stay in the city, visiting Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and the waterfront. They never make it past the mountains. That's a mistake. Eastern Washington and the Central Cascades represent some of the most spectacular hiking terrain in the entire country.
The crown jewel of the region is the Enchantments, a legendary alpine wilderness area known for its turquoise lakes, mountain goats, and demanding permit system. Getting a permit for the core Enchantments zone is notoriously difficult — the lottery is extremely competitive, and even many Washingtonians have never made it in. But Eightmile Lake offers a beautiful, accessible gateway into the same Alpine Lakes Wilderness without requiring the same level of luck or commitment.
The Eightmile Lake trailhead sits about 15 minutes south of the fairytale Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth — meaning you can pair your hiking trip with a visit to one of Washington's most beloved small towns before hitting the trail.
When most people travel to Seattle for the first time, they spend a day or two in the city before quickly moving on. Very few travelers venture east of Seattle to experience the impressive nature of Washington State. The Central Cascades, in particular, is a hiker and outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are tons of hiking trails to suit all fitness levels. A popular part of the region is, an impressive yet rugged alpine paradise for hikers and backpackers. While getting into the core Enchantments can be difficult due to the necessary permit and skills, an easy way to access part of the area is through Eightmile Lake.
Eightmile Lake Hiking Details
Before you go, here are the fast facts on the Eightmile Lake trail:
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip (3.6 miles each way to the lake; some sources cite 6.6 miles if you turn around at the lake's edge)
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Highest point: 4,650 feet
Difficulty: Moderate — suitable for fit beginners and families with older children
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
Overnight camping: Permit required June 15–October 15 via lottery
Nearest town: Leavenworth, WA (about 15 minutes from trailhead)
Drive from Seattle: Approximately 2.5 hours
The trail is maintained by the Washington Trails Association and is generally well-marked, making it a reliable choice even for hikers newer to alpine terrain.
Getting There: Driving from Seattle to Leavenworth
The drive from Seattle to Leavenworth is roughly 2.5 hours and is beautiful in its own right. You'll head east on Highway 2 through the Stevens Pass corridor, winding through dense forest, past ski resort terrain, and into the drier, sunnier eastern foothills of the Cascades. It's a genuinely scenic drive, and if you're doing this as a road trip, the journey is part of the experience.
Note: You'll need a car to reach the Eightmile Lake trailhead. Public transit options exist to get to Leavenworth, but from there, the trailhead requires a vehicle.
Pro tip: Stop in Leavenworth village before heading to the trailhead. The town is famously styled after a Bavarian village and has excellent food, coffee, and gear shops. We always stop at Visconti's for a housemade sausage, and it's become a tradition for us. Fueling up before a 3+ mile hike with 1,300 feet of gain is just good strategy.
Eightmile Campground vs. Eightmile Lake: Know the Difference
This is a common source of confusion for first-time visitors, and it's worth clarifying upfront.
Eightmile Campground is a developed car campground near the trailhead with up to 70 people and 25 vehicles. It has picnic tables, campfire rings, running water, and restroom facilities — the full car camping setup.
Eightmile Lake is the backcountry wilderness destination at the end of the trail. Camping here is rustic and permit-required, with no running water, no trash service, and primitive toilet facilities. It's a genuine backcountry experience — pack accordingly.
If you're planning a car camping base camp with day hikes from the trailhead, Eightmile Campground is what you want. If you want a true overnight backpacking experience in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you're heading to the lake.
The Eightmile Lake Permit: What You Need to Know
Between June 15 and October 15, overnight camping at Eightmile Lake requires a permit obtained through the permit lottery system. This is in place to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem from overuse — the lake is popular, and campsites are limited.
If you miss the lottery or visit outside the permit season, the lake is still accessible as a day hike — and it's completely worth doing. The trail and views are just as beautiful on a day trip.
Tip for permit seekers: Apply early and have a backup plan. If your permit application is unsuccessful, consider booking a hotel or vacation rental in Leavenworth and doing the lake as a day hike instead.
Hiking the Eightmile Lake Trail: What to Expect Mile by Mile
The first stretch: steep start, then relief
The hike begins at the Eightmile Lake trailhead and launches almost immediately into a significant uphill climb. The first half-mile or so is the steepest section of the entire trail — but stick with it. The grade levels off considerably after that initial push, and the rest of the hike is a much more manageable incline through beautiful Pacific Northwest forest.
Within the first mile, you'll hit a trail junction. Stay left. This is well-marked, but it's worth knowing about in advance.
Mile 2.8: Little Eightmile Lake
Before reaching your main destination, you'll pass Little Eightmile Lake around the 2.8-mile mark. It's marshy, quiet, and makes a lovely rest stop — but keep moving. The real payoff is still ahead.
You'll also pass a signed junction for Lake Caroline and Windy Pass. Stay straight on the main trail unless you're planning the Lake Caroline detour (more on that below). When you cross into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a large wooden sign marks the boundary — you'll know it when you see it.
The boulder field: you're almost there
Shortly before reaching Eightmile Lake, the trail passes through a small field of boulders. This is your final landmark — the lake is right beyond it. The first view of Eightmile Lake, framed by dramatic mountain peaks with crystal-clear alpine water reflecting the sky, is genuinely breathtaking.
Camping at Eightmile Lake: Tips for a Great Night
Eightmile Lake campsites are limited and fill up fast, especially on summer weekends. If you get a permit and are hiking in on a Friday afternoon like we did, expect the prime spots near the water to already be taken by mid-afternoon.
This is where lightweight backpacking gear earns its value. With compact, minimalist gear, we were able to squeeze into a small but perfectly positioned campsite right along the lake's edge — something that wouldn't have been possible with a bulky traditional camping setup.
Backcountry essentials for this campsite:
A portable water filter (the lake water is clean; we used and loved the Life Straw personal water filter on this trip)
All food and cooking supplies — there are no facilities
Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer (the bathroom situation is truly rustic)
Sealable trash bag — pack out everything you pack in
Rope or a bear bag system — hang food away from camp to deter wildlife
Layers and a rain layer — alpine temps drop fast after sunset, even in July
Day 2: Hiking to Lake Caroline (11.5 Miles, 3,100-Foot Gain)
If you're camping overnight and want to make the most of your second day, the hike from Eightmile Lake up to Lake Caroline is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — options in the area.
Lake Caroline hike stats:
Distance: 11.5 miles round trip from trailhead (shorter if done as a day hike from your campsite)
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet
Highest point: 6,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
This is not a casual stroll. The trail involves significant switchbacks, steep grades, and sustained climbing. But the terrain is extraordinary and constantly changing: overgrown brush gives way to sweeping meadows that look genuinely cinematic, recovering forest from the 1994 wildfire creates a silver-gray ghost forest unlike anything else in the region, and wildlife sightings — deer, birds, and more — are common.
Lake Caroline itself sits in a high alpine basin between Eightmile Mountain (7,996 feet) and Cashmere Mountain (8,501 feet). The lake is a hidden gem precisely because the hike filters out casual visitors. If you make it up there, you'll likely have it largely to yourself. The bird's-eye views looking back down at Eightmile Lake and the surrounding Cascade peaks are stunning — serious camera-worthy stuff.
Hike back to your lakeside campsite for a second night, or pack out on the same day if your permit only covers one night.
Views of the mountains on the hiking trail to Lake Caroline.
Day 3: Pack Out and Head Back to Leavenworth
Break down camp and hike the 3.3 miles back to the trailhead. Once you're back at your car, make the drive back into Leavenworth for a well-earned lunch before the return trip to Seattle. After a night of backcountry camping and a strenuous second-day hike, a sit-down meal in a Bavarian-themed village feels like an unexpected luxury.
What to Pack for the Eightmile Lake Overnight Trip
Here's a quick summary of what we'd recommend for an overnight backpacking trip to Eightmile Lake:
Lightweight backpacking tent
Sleeping bag rated for alpine temps (can drop to near-freezing even in summer)
Sleeping pad
Portable water filter (LifeStraw, Sawyer Squeeze, or similar)
Water bottles or hydration reservoir
Backpacking stove + fuel + cookware
2–3 days of food (calorie-dense, lightweight)
Bear hang rope or bear canister
Headlamp + extra batteries
First aid kit
Trekking poles (optional but helpful on the elevation gain)
Toilet paper + hand sanitizer + waste bags
Sealable trash bag for all garbage
Northwest Forest Pass + overnight permit (printed)
Layers, rain jacket, sun protection
Other Nearby Hikes: Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake
If you're in the area and want to explore beyond Eightmile Lake, the Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake trailhead is also nearby. This trail is significantly more demanding:
Distance: 11.7 miles round trip (and up to 23.6 miles as part of the full Enchantments route)
Elevation gain: 2,982 feet
Colchuck Lake in particular is famous for its striking turquoise color and is one of the most photographed alpine lakes in Washington State. It also serves as the jumping-off point for the notorious Aasgard Pass, which leads into the core Enchantments zone. If you're physically prepared and have the permits, it's an incredible undertaking. If you're looking for a more manageable Central Cascades hike, Eightmile Lake remains the better entry point.
Final Thoughts: Is Eightmile Lake Worth It?
Absolutely. For a moderate 7-mile round trip hike near Leavenworth, the Eightmile Lake trail delivers a level of alpine beauty that rivals much harder routes. It's accessible enough for fit beginners and rewarding enough for experienced hikers who want a mellow day or a relaxed overnight trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Whether you're doing it as a Seattle day trip, a weekend backpacking adventure, or the first leg of a longer Enchantments-adjacent journey, you're going to leave Eightmile Lake wanting to come back.
Have you hiked or camped at Eightmile Lake? Drop your tips, stories, and photos in the comments — especially if you've done the Lake Caroline detour. We'd love to hear about your experience.
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See what’s on our full overnight backpacking list and download your own checklist here.
The hiking trail to Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake.
