South Fork Eagle River Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This out-and-back trail is located at the the South Fork Eagle River Trailhead. The hike starts with a short climb through an old spruce forest then opens to views of the wide open valley. There are a few trail branches along the route for different hiking options.

After about 1.5 miles, the trail enters a hemlock forest as the trail drops down to the valley floor where the views open up prior to crossing the South Fork of Eagle River foot bridge. The route gradually continues up the valley and shortly after crossing the first bridge, the trail surface deteriorates requiring fast foot work to dodge rocks, roots, and puddles. After crossing the second bridge, there is a bolder field that makes hiking difficult, but a "few" more steps are required to get a great view of Symphony Lake.

Depending on the season, moose and perhaps bear can be seen, in addition to sheep on the upper mountainside.

I saw a couple of moose on the way up.