Sawtooth Lakes Loop
~3 days · 38.1 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Sawtooth Lakes Loop is known for
Loop through the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness from the Crater Creek trailhead, linking Eagle Lake, Boiling Lake, and Cooney Lake below the Sawtooth crest. About 23 miles, typically 3 days, and a favorite in golden-larch season; parts of the area burned in 2018, and one stretch of the mapped line bridges an unmapped connector.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 15,545 ft to 26,102 ft over 38.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 18.2 mi · 48%
- Downhill 18.8 mi · 50%
- Flat 0.6 mi · 1%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Sawtooth Lakes Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Sawtooth Lakes Loop in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 38.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Sawtooth Lakes Loop?
The Sawtooth Lakes Loop climbs roughly 11,260 ft total — about 296 ft per mile, topping out near 8,110 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.