by John Kruse, September 01, 2004

HIKE IN FOR SOME TROUT AT MYRTLE LAKE

If you’re looking for a little rainbow and brook trout fishing, you may want to consider an easy hike along the Entiat River to Myrtle Lake. Located in North Central Washington, the trip to Myrtle Lake is a good one for novice hikers or families. The trailhead is located some 75 minutes from Wenatchee. Travel north on Highway 97A to Entiat and go west on the Entiat River Road. Drive northwest along the river 38 miles past Cottonwood Campground to the end of the road and the trailhead. A Forest Service Pass is required to park here.



The trip to the lake is just over four miles with only a negligible elevation gain. The Entiat River Trail (#1400), wide and well maintained, is also used by the occasional trail biker and groups with pack animals. The first mile takes you under a canopy of pine trees. As you break out into sunlit areas keep your eyes peeled for huckleberries, which are just becoming ripe in mid-July. At 2 ¼ miles you reach Anthem Creek, a nice place for a snack and a drink before continuing another mile to the Cow Creek trail junction. At this point, take a left on the Myrtle Lake Trail (#1404) and cross the Entiat River. From here, it’s about a half-mile another trail junction. Take another left on Trail #1404A and travel a few hundred yards to the outlet of Myrtle Lake.

Myrtle Lake is a pretty, emerald colored 19-acre lake surrounded by pine trees. There is a group campsite on the north shore and a couple of other nice places to camp near the outlet. Chipmunks are in abundance and don’t be surprised if a mule deer wanders down into your camp in the evening. The lake has lots of small but beautiful brook trout in it. Most of the ones I caught were in the 4 to 6-inch range, but a few were closer to 8-inches long. There are also rainbow trout to 9-inches in the Entiat River from the trailhead to the area near the bridge crossing.

Small spinners are a good choice in the river. Fly-fishing would also be a good strategy in the river, and it was definitely the option that worked at the lake. Try a deer or elk hair caddis fly. If you don’t have a fly rod, tie one on the end of a four to five foot leader behind a clear bobber. Twist the bobber’s body to put a little water in it for weight. Very small Panther Martin or Mepps Spinners are also worth a try at Myrtle Lake.



Plan on a 1.5 to two-hour trip to get to the lake. If you are looking for an easy day hike or overnight trip, this is an excellent choice. Don’t be surprised if you have company though, this can be a popular destination.