Eaton Lake
Trail Key: D~2~CC~LC~ST~V~R~RT

Km's: 8.2 rtn
Elevation: 915 meters
Pit Toilet: Yes-beginning
Dogs: Might be difficult to get over some of the logs

Follow a wide, rocky dirt path with a rushing creek on your right. Soon the trail becomes skinny as it snakes it's way up to a wide log bridge with grating & small railing in the middle to give you some comfort. On your left is Eaton Creek with a powerful waterfall cascading down. This is about .5 Km's. Due to the trails steepness the Km's seem longer.

As you walk along the trail weaves it's way switch backing and snaking it's way in a beautiful forest. It's steep at times. And the grade levels out at times but don't get too comfortable as it soon climbs again. After awhile it dips down to a sketchy bridge crossing with a bench. The bridge is not far off the ground but needs to be replaced. This is the 1/2 way mark (about 2 km).

At times along the trail there is minimal blow down and the odd log to get over. Soon you come to the second Falls Lookout. It's a skinnier trail and a slight drop off on your left side that would take you down to the river. You can get a little closer to see the falls but it's rooty & slippery. Once you're happy you can make this the end of your hike or carry on to Eaton Lake.

To carry onto Eaton Lake continue following the trail as it begins to climb If you decide this is the end then a trip back to the first log bridge crossing is a great area for lunch and to snap lots of photos.

If you decide to carry on, keep in mind the trail steepens through the forest. As you near the top there are two sketchy log crossings and a boulder field to get through before you arrive at, Eaton Lake. The log jam is not bad in drier weather but when it has rained you may be balancing on logs floating in the water. The sketchy log bridge is slanted on one side and a railing is in the middle. You can step off the bridge onto the rock but you will still need balance and confidence to get across. It's not high up but a fall would be painful and with your goal so close and your car far away it would not be a good thing.To cross through the creek is tougher as there is Devil's Claw along the sides and the creek is quite deep. The boulder crossing is short. Keep in mind there is one final hill to climb before Eaton Lake greets you. You might think it's a short hike but when trails become steeper, it takes longer to get to your goal.

I would suggest to go on a dry day and to bring MICROspikes. Happy & safe trails.

Directions:

From Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) near Hope, take exit #168. Follow Flood Hope Road east to a flashing amber light and turn right on to Silver Skagit Road. Follow the gravel road complete with many potholes. After the road's 16 km marker, turn left on to a side road marked with a sign for the Eaton Lake Trail and Eaton Creek forestry campsite. Follow the road up a short hill to the campsite area, where there is parking for approximately four cars. There's not a lot of room up there.

Eaton Creek/Falls from the first log crossing.

Falls Lookout.

Another tall beauty!

You never know who's watching you deep in the forest!