Louis Lake Trail 428
Access: From Twisp take Okanogan County Road 9114 (Twisp River Road) west for 11 miles, then continue on Forest Service Road 44 for 7.4 miles and FS Road 4440 for 4 miles to the South Creek Trailhead. Take the South Creek Trail 401 for 2 miles to the signed junction.
Route Description: The trail begins at 2 miles on the South Creek Trail 401, then starts by descending to the trail bridge crossing of South Creek. The next mile switchbacks up through forest with huge Douglas fir, Engleman spruce, and western white pine. The route then travels high about Louis Creek through old avalanche paths and subalpine forest. At 3 miles either a footlog bridge or stream ford crosses Louis Creek then a short distance brings you to the lake.
Highlights: An easy route to Louis Lake at an elevation of 5400 feet. Views of the South Creek Butte and Crescent Mountain are spectacular. The lake is a popular day ride and family hike, with good fishing.
Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Grazing is not available to stock users at the lake. Avoid the re-vegetated sites at the lake, heavily impacted campsites at the lake are being rehabilitated. The log stringer bridge over South Creek deflects under the weight of stock, please use good judgment in crossing with stock.
Length: 3.2 miles/5.1 km.
Season: Mid-June - October.
Maps:
USGS: Gilbert.
Green Trails: Stehekin.
Restrictions: No motorized or mechanical use allowed. Parties size limit 12 people or less and 18 head of stock.
Trailhead Facilities: Northwest Forest Pass required when camping at Twisp River Horse camp. No Northwest Forest Pass required at South Creek Trailhead near South Creek Campground. Hitch rail is available, and toilets are available in the adjacent South Creek Campground.