EASTERN WASHINGTON

Summary

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A snow filled winter escape into the woods, Bead Lake offers frequent lake views and plenty of trees to please most anyone. Summer will likely offer a shaded trail to various camp sites along the lake.

Trail Stats

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Trail Details

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Yesterday we forced ourselves off the couch, into the car and out for a snow filled winter excursion. What can I say, some days you just aren’t feeling it. Laziness wanted to prevail but the voice of reason said get out and restore your mind. And so we went.

Bead Lake trail offers plenty of mileage with minimal elevation change. Overall it’s an easy, albeit longer out and back trail. Granted, we certainly did not trudge thru the snow for 11 miles, I believe we did 5 miles total.

As it’s winter and currently blanketed in snow, the trailhead parking and road are closed. They haven’t plowed it out. Simply take the next turn as if going to the boat launch where you’ll have to park along the road as the gate is closed for winter. Easy to find, there’s a sign and when we arrived, about five or so vehicles already there.

From here it’s a short trek to the boat launch parking (where there’s a toilet). Had you parked at the trailhead parking, there’s a brief path leading you here. We passed a group of young ice fishermen jovially returning, faces full of smiles. We could see a few brave souls out on the lake fishing. No thanks. I can’t catch a fish on a normal day, let alone standing on ice freezing my tail off.

The trail takes off at the far end of the parking lot. I had incorrectly envisioned walking along the lake shore. As it was I found myself half way up the hillside, skirting the lake in the trees. Still lovely, just not what I had expected.

The trail itself was easy enough to follow. Looks like the path mostly follows an old road and is plenty wide. Snowshoers had paved the way for about 2 miles making for easy walking. As we had not brought our snowshoes, I was pleased not to post hole our entire way in.

We passed the snow covered Enchantment Camp about a mile in that, with a bit of imagination, we could envision tents nestled in the flat areas among the trees. Doug found what I assume to be a fire pit with logs to sit on surrounding it. Would be a lovely spot to camp in the tree’s, perfect to introduce someone to backpacking. Easy, brief hike, lots of water, flat sleeping space. Nice!

Shortly past the camp we went up and over the next hill instead of around the shore. Pretty sure this hill is what gives the hike its minuscule elevation gain. On our way up, two on snowshoes (who I believe broke trail) were headed out. Atop the hill we ran into a lovely couple from Spokane Valley (also on snowshoes- see everyone else was smart) who were also turning around and heading out.

From here we were on our own. Trail breaking through the snow. Great fun on this day as the snow was delightfully light with a thin crust on top. Just plow on through, easy peasy! We traversed another half mile back down the hill (in the tree’s), over a mini bridge, and back to the lake. After a bit of viewing the lake we rounded a corner and decided that this was the perfect spot for a snack. Lovely view of Bead Lake and the surrounding hills with no sign of civilization. Perfect!

Because I don’t care to be wet or cold I tend to bring a piece of Tyvek house wrap to place on the snow and a foam sitting pad to insulate my rear end from the cold. It works amazingly well. Dry and warm. And they are light weight so I don’t mind carrying them. We plopped down directly in the middle of the trail (remember we were the trail breakers so no worry about people ahead of us).

While enjoying our snacks (this time a frozen cliff bar and trail mix- major meh) it began to do that gross thing. To be fair I do not love winter. But there is one winter element I dislike more than any other by far. Freezing rain. Seriously this nonsense is a pain. So we decided to pack up and head out.

Just around the corner we came across a group of four who had followed our tracks in and were happily seated enjoying their lunch. Doug partook of the proffered Cheeto and Dorito and then nearly covered them in snow while lurching past them. Oops, sorry on that. They were an amazingly friendly group, another reminder of why I love this side of the state. The PNW is notoriously friendly but triple so on this side. A lot less pretentious.

Anyhow, as these lovely people had smashed down the path more, our way back up and out was pretty easy. I wound up with a nice crust of ice covering my backpack, coat and hat. Ew, freezing rain.

All in all I’d say this hike was pleasurable. I’d like to return once the snow is gone and see it to the end. Lots of tree’s. Lots of lake views. Friendly people, more than I thought would be out. We had an excellent time. Good to get off that couch!

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