Cooney Lake Loop via Eagle Lakes Trail #431
21.2 mi
Distance
11 hrs 1 min
Time
terrain
3,320 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Cooney Lake in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
This trail goes by Horsehead Pass.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This is my 2nd time doing this loop starting at the crater Lk/Eagle Lk trailhead. Within the 1st mile you’ll pass a good flowing creek. Which is still flowing really good on this low water year 2026 and in late September. The trail was in really good shape for the entire loop. I really took my time this year and enjoyed the lakes. The 1st 2 nts I stayed at Upper Eagle Lake and had it to myself which was just how I like it. It was beautiful and the larches were out and the fish were jumping. There’s some really nice sites here and they’re spread out from each other which is great. You just need to look. Most of them are to the left of the 1st big site that you reach. If you’re planning to do the entire loop be sure to have the maps downloaded as the trail signage can be a bit confusing and there’s a few spots there aren’t signs so be prepared. When leaving upper Eagle Lake you want to take the trail that says “motorcycle camp” going to the right. This will take you past the motorcycle camp, across Eagle Creek and on your way up to horse thieves pass. You’ll travel thru a small section of granite rock so watch your step. You’ll be able to look down and see lower Eagle lake and down onto the lower methow valley. Take a few good pics and then continue on up the switchbacks until you reach the top of the pass. This is where you’ll have an even better view of lower Eagle Lk and the valley below. At the top of the pass there are 2 trails. Both will lead you to the same spot. I took the trail to the left which you need to watch your footing and take your time so you don’t bust your butt. (I realized this trail was a trail someone had taken to try and shorten the trail by just a bit) When I do this trail again I would take the trail to the right. After 1-2 switchbacks you’ll get a great view of Boiling Lake below which is a nice spot for a rest. There is a small creek you’ll cross right before the lake which is where you should be refilling your water because of the better flow. After taking a break cross back over the creek and take the trail that says Cub lake. You’ll follow this until you reach a spot where the trail splits into 3 trails. You’ll want to take the trail to the LEFT that says Summit trail. From here the trail is relatively easy with some incline but nothing too intense. You’ll be going in and out of the trees which is nice on a hot day. Eventually you’ll get to the infamous trail sign to Angels Landing which is where you’ll start to put the real work in. There is quite a few switchbacks. The trail is in pretty good shape but you do have some step ups or downs depending your direction. Just plan to take some time and you’ll be fine. Once you reach the top you’ll have 360 views and it’s gorgeous. Take a break and enjoy it. After a little rest you’ll continue across the pass and then you’ll take the trail upward til you reach the top where you’ll look down onto Cooney Lake. Going down this takes some time. It’s loose rock and dirt so really do be careful or you might find yourself rolling and on your butt. No seriously take your time. (A lot of ppl choose to go up this instead of down but for me , I think doing this loop in the opposite direction would be harder on my knees ). Like I said I’ve done this loop twice and have done fine. However if it was muddy and raining It would be terrible. (I always feel like I’m giving anyone down at Cooney Lk an evening “show” watching me go down. 😬. Once you’re down you have quite a ways to go to get to the actual lake but it’s pretty easy walking. The lake itself has many spots. Continue walking around the lake. Some of the best camp spots are actually on the other side of the lake. The larches were showing off here and because I spent a few nts here I really got to see how the look of the lake and the colors really change with the sunlight. It was gorgeous. Be sure to fill up on water here to continue on back down to the trail head. After leaving the lake you will once again come to a split in the trail and you’re gonna want to take the upper trail that says Martin Lakes. This will get you back to the Crater lake/Eagle Lake trail head. The remainder of the trail is easy and downhill but an easy decline. Most of the way you’ll be in the forest so not a lot to see. You will have another option to get water about 3 miles after leaving Cooney. This is a multi use trail so do be prepared for motorcycles, mountain bikes and horses which I’ve encountered both times. (This time I actually had to push my SOS. Button for a mountain biker that got hurt on angels staircase. Which required a helicopter rescue. So if you’re a mtn biker take caution. )Overall this is a great trail that so far isn’t over populated which I enjoy. Leave no trace & please follow the rules. I encountered a few horseback riders that decided to have a fire even tho it’s posted that they aren’t allowed. So please don’t be an idiot & think you don’t need to follow the rules. This is why there have been so many closures & our fore seasons have only gotten worse. Help protect these lovely places.
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