Hiking Into the Heavens: A Day Trek to Lake Caroline and Windy Pass
In the heart of Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness lies a hike that feels like a pilgrimage—an ascent into quiet solitude, mountain majesty, and crystalline beauty. If you're craving alpine lakes, sweeping vistas, and a solid workout to boot (no pun intended), this hike delivers.

This event is for experienced hikers only - beginners should not attend. No mountaineering gear or skills needed. Endurance required!

Imagery
The trail begins beneath a cathedral of pines, their fragrance mingling with the cool morning air. Sunlight dapples the forest floor as we wind past burbling creeks and scorched stumps—echoes of past wildfires, now cloaked in new green life. Charred trunks stand as sentinels to past infernos, their blackened silhouettes strangely beautiful against the rising sun.

Climbing toward Lake Caroline, the forest thins, replaced by rocky outcrops and fields brushed with wildflowers. Then suddenly, like a secret revealed, Caroline emerges: glassy, alpine blue, cradled by granite ridges. This is a great spot for a lunch break or mountain goat-spotting. Also, this can be a perfectly respectable turnaround point.

[Optional]
Yet the adventure isn’t over - the path to Windy Pass (2 miles from Lake Caroline) traces a high alpine spine. The air grows thinner, the silence deeper. This section offers panoramic views of the Enchantment peaks - the Stuart Range slices the sky, and Dragontail Peak and Aasgard Pass can be observed. The trail continues up gentle switchbacks on beautiful, meadowed slopes until it crests Windy Pass. At the Pass, the world opens up—peaks serrated against the sky, valleys folded like origami far below. It’s a perch where awe drowns fatigue, and the horizon feels endless - a worthy place to rest and reflect before heading back.

Lake Caroline and Windy Pass may not be the most famous corners of the Enchantments—but for those who tread these paths, they become unforgettable. This is not just a hike - It’s a story etched into boots and bones.

Hike Data
Elevation Range: 3296' to 7207'
Route Type: Out & Back
Tread Type: Mixed Terrain - Forested , Rocky Switchbacks, Open Alpine
Location: Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area

Lake Caroline
Length: 12 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate | Hard

Windy Pass
Length: 16 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,325 feet
Difficulty: Hard | Strenuous

Initial Meetup Location
Brickyard Road Park and Ride
15530 Juanita Woodinville Way NE
Bothell, WA 98011
GPS: 47.74077, -122.18852

Trailhead Location
Eightmile Trailhead
NF-7601, Leavenworth, WA 98826
GPS: 47.53591, -120.81386

Schedule
5:00 AM - Arrive at the Park and Ride Location
5:10 AM - Depart the Park and Ride, Driving Directions
7:45 AM - Arrive at the Trailhead
8:00 AM - Begin the Hike
5:00 PM - Back at the Trailhead
8:00 PM - Back at the Park and Ride Location, optional stop for food.

Estimated Hiking Time: 9 hours, including breaks - Moderate Pace

Links
Trail Map
Elevation Profile
Trail Weather
WTA - Lake Caroline
WTA - Windy Pass
AllTrails
Trail Blog
Day Hike Packing List
Ten Essential Items

Carpool
Hikers can meet us at the Park and Ride location for carpooling or directly at the Trailhead, per the schedule above. Riders must pay drivers for Transportation, Fuel, Parking Permit, Driving effort, etc. Pay a minimum of $25 each for a vehicle with three riders, more for fewer riders as per the driver. Cash (preferred) or Venmo. Pay your driver before you enter their vehicle. If there are not enough drivers signed up, some folks may be moved to a waiting list till enough drivers are available.

Logistics
Guests are not permitted. All attendees should be signed up on this Meetup Event page, should have a clear facial profile picture for safety reasons and should be confirmed on the Going list in order to attend this event. Be prepared to spend up to 9 hours on the trail. The average pace is expected to be around 2 miles per hour including breaks for food, water and scenery. Do not have any plans for immediately after the hike. Bring enough food and water to last you the day. The schedule posted above is an estimate.

Parking Permit
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead.

Getting There
From milepost 99 on Highway 2, on the western edge of Leavenworth, follow the paved Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles, turning left onto Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7601). Continue on this washboarded dirt road for 3.1 miles to the Eightmile Creek trailhead. Park opposite the trailhead, on the left side of the road. Privy available. A high-clearance vehicle is ideal but not necessary - any vehicle can make it to the trailhead with slow, controlled driving on this 3-mile section.

Disclaimer
I am not a guide. You are responsible for your own safety and should be self-sufficient. Assess your abilities before signing up. Event Hosts and Organizers are indemnified.

RSVP Etiquette
Please read the entire Event Description above and browse the links provided. RSVP to this event only if you are committed to attending. Late cancellations and No-Shows are noted and will impact your ability to attend future events with us.