Area: Chiwawa River

Length: 4.4

Elevation: 2590 +2740 -40

Condition: moderately good

Solitude: medium low

Appeal: very high

Features: lake, swim, big camps, hungry trout

Difficulty: moderate

Administered: USFS, Wenatchee River R.D.

Trailhead: Little Giant

Connects to:
    --none--

Guides: 100GP , CRcc

Maps:
   Green Trails 113 Holden


 

Overview

map

There is really only one thing keeping away overwhelming crowds: the intimidation of a river crossing. The trail is uphill, but not severely so. It is not suitable for livestock, and therefore sanitary and in quite amazing good shape. It is a vigorous hike, but mercifully, not too terribly long. Then, as a reward for your efforts, there is a spectacular alpine lake loaded with fearless trout.

Come equipped to stay a couple nights if you can.

 

Details

The trailhead lot is easy to find. There is sufficient parking, but it is not clear exactly how you are supposed to use it. Be inventive, but leave plenty of room for others just in case, and it will work out fine.

A trail descends gradually from the trailhead area, going down to reach the river at a location where at one time there was a dry crossing on a log jam. That option is long, long gone. So take a look, but continue left for another 150 yards or so, until you find a location where you can climb down onto a river gravel bar.

lower trail

As you can also see from the view at the far side, the crossing from the gravel bar is somewhat downstream, not straight. Also inconvenient, you must climb out at the location of the deepest channel. When the water level is low, this is barely over 2 feet, and it won't matter. In earlier summer months when snow-melt water is streaming, this is 4 to 5 feet deep, and the crossing is dangerous. So be safe, and have an alternative trip plan just in case.

The trail moves straight in through river flood-plain brush, at first, then veers right and going across a marshy area where a huge hollowed-out tree has fallen. You can find a way past it — it is rotting away fast. Shortly beyond that, emerge from brush into more typical east-side dry forest, and begin the main ascent.

lower trail


The trail is in splendid condition, and even has — just imagine! — a foot bridge at a relatively messy crossing of a tributary creek.

 

lower trail

Continue the climb 2.3 miles to reach some partial views, as the trail bends left and starts an approach toward Schaefer Creek.

There is a more gentle grade here until you pass the moist creek basin area in forest from mile 2.7 to 3.0. Then, back onto firmer dry ground, and back to the more vigorous ascending pace, on irregular switchbacks for the next mile.


At mile 4.0, reach the lip of the lake basin. The grade levels. Views open. At 4.2 miles, reach the lake outlet pond. As a secondary camping option, come back here and find the seldom-used camp along the south shore. This pond has its own population of trout, if you have a way to get past the shoreline vegetation.

lower trail

But continue on. At 4.4 miles, reach the beautiful south shore of Schaefer Lake. Right or left? Try the left first. There are two major camps and some additional minor ones.

lower trail

Set up camp, find the shoreline, find one of the sunny and comfortable flat-topped rocks, and prepare to get lazy. An overabundance of eastern brook trout, somehow able to proliferate like crazy here, will gladly take a lure from shoreline. Check current fishing regulations.

lower trail