Eagle Lake Trail

Eagle Lake Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back from the Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead to a glacial lake in a high Sierra basin. It climbs from Mineral King through scrub, meadow and fir forest, then across a rough boulder slope to the water. Plan about four to five hours. This is a substantial hike at this altitude, but the scenery keeps changing as you climb; go if you want a real high-country lake rather than a short stroll to water.

Start from the White Chief Trailhead parking area at the end of Mineral King Road; the Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead is the access for both lake routes. The trail climbs steadily along the west side of the valley. A small wooden bridge crosses Spring Creek around 0.3 mile, and the route later crosses Eagle Creek. Past the White Chief junction, follow the right branch toward Eagle and Mosquito Lakes. The tread passes an open meadow and Eagle Creek's sinkhole before reaching Eagle Basin. The first two miles are shared with the Mosquito Lakes hike: at the basin, take the left-hand trail for Eagle Lake; the right branch heads toward Mosquito Lake #1.

Above Eagle Basin, steep switchbacks cross a rocky hillside and boulder field. Trees thin, opening views toward Tulare Peak, Sawtooth Peak and the Great Western Divide. The grade eases among scattered pines and boulders before a short wooded stretch reaches the shore. The final approach is rough talus with occasional small rock hops; this is where the altitude and sustained climbing are most noticeable. Deer, yellow-bellied marmots, pikas and grouse have all been reported along the route, though sightings are never a sure thing.

Eagle Lake is a glacially carved tarn in a hanging basin. The glacier that shaped this side valley was smaller than the one that cut the main canyon, leaving the lake high above Mineral King. A dam sits at the lake's outlet and gives a level spot to look back toward Empire Mountain, Timber Gap, Tablelands and Alta Peak. For a photo, frame the water with shoreline rocks or the dam in front and the cirque beyond; that shows the scale better than a tight shot of the water.

The trailhead has auto parking, a restroom and trash receptacles. Pets aren't allowed on park trails. Bring drinking water or a treatment method; the purity of the lakes and streams can't be guaranteed. Early-summer mosquitoes can be a particular nuisance.