methowoutdoors.com

Trails

From forested valleys, shrub steppe slopes, to high alpine ridges, the Methow has it all. The trails featured on this page are arranged by rough geographic area:

Mazama area hikes
Winthrop area hikes
Twisp area hikes
Highway 20 corridor hikes

Mazama Area Hikes

Goat Peak #509
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 1400 feet
Uses: Hiking, horses, bikes
Info: A steep but popular trail leading to the top of Goat Peak and one of two fire lookouts staffed in the summer. The trail alternates between timber and meadows with good views of the Cascades along the last 1/2 mile. Upon arriving at the lookout, “Lighting” Bill Austin may welcome you with original poetry and Smokey Bear goodies for the kids.

Monument Creek #484
Distance: You could go about 25 miles if you want to make it that long, but the trail beyond Eureka Creek not maintained.
Info: A packed trailhead on Memorial Day weekend will leave you scratching your head after taking a hike on this trail since it certainly isn’t the most scenic the area offers. However, if you try to get to other trailheads this time of year you will come to the conclusion that it is popular simply because it’s still not under snow. The trail offers a chance for those desperate for the hiking season to get out and stretch the legs after a long winter, but be prepared to encounter the usual down trees and patches of snow. Makes a pretty decent snowshoe hike too.

Silver Lake #498
Distance:
Info: Hike the Buckskin Ridge Trail north of Hart’s Pass to Silver Lake, a small, somewhat marshy alpine lake.

View above Silver Lake looking north.

Trout Creek/West Fork Methow River#480
Distance: 2 miles
Info: A river bottom hike (nice and mellow) up the Methow River through forest burned in 2003. Prepare to encounter mountain bikes. One of the earliest accessible trails in the spring, which makes this trail popular then.

Benson Pass
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation loss/gain: 200 ft
A relatively mellow hike along the Pacific Crest Trail near Hart’s Pass. Pretty alpine views and wildflower-carpeted meadows throughout the spring and summer are the highlight of this hike. The trail contours Benson Basin and at 2 miles reaches Benson Pass. From Hart’s Pass drive Slate Peak road number 5400-600 about 1.5 miles to the first switchback. The trail is signed for the Pacific Crest Trail and Windy Pass.

Highway 20 Corridor Hikes

Blue Lake #314
Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1050 feet
Uses: Hiking only, no camping at the lake
Info: hike to a larch fringed alpine lake in the Washington Pass area. A popular trailhead for climbers who use the trail to access climbing routes nearby. Also popular with backcountry skiers, especially in the spring after the pass opens. The trail begins by paralleling the road for a short distance then starts to climb through big timber. The larches surrounding the lake provide spectacular color in late September-early October making this trail a classic autumn hike.

Cedar Falls #476
Distance: 2 miles up to the falls; an additional 7.5 or so miles past the falls if you desire.
Uses: Hiking, horses, bikes
Info: Easy sidehill jaunt through spruce, fir and cedar to the popular falls. No bicycles allowed past the wilderness boundary. One of the first trails to open in the spring.

Cutthroat Lake #483
Distance: 2 miles
Uses: Hiking and horses; no camping or horses allowed at the lake.
Info: A flat 2 miles to a very popular lake makes this one a good pick for families. Also provides access to Cutthroat ridge and the PCT.

A first view of Cutthroat Lake

Driveway Butte #481
Distance: 4 miles
Uses: hiking and horses
Info: A dry climb to the top offers views of Mazama and surrounding area. The trail begins on an old skid road for about 1/2 mile then turns into a “real” trail. The trail goes through timber and then open meadows below the butte. This hike can be combined with a snowshoe trip in from highway 20 (about a mile) and up the south-facing trail (with patchy snow) in the spring.

Early Winters # 522
Distance: 4 miles
Info: A flat creek-bottom hike taking off from Klipchuck campground between spaces 7 and 8. Goes for 4 miles until it meets SR 20; turn around and go back down, or if you’re on a bike ride down the highway to make a loop.

Lone Fir #535
Distance: 2-mile loop
Info: Starts at Lone Fir campground. About 1/4 mile of it is paved, the rest is a dirt trail that somewhat follows Early Winters Creek, crosses over, and goes down the other side back to the campground. A trail branches off and goes up towards Cutthroat Creek for those wanting to explore more.

Father and son crossing log bridge over Early Winters Creek while hiking the Lone Fir trail.
Lake Ann-Maple Pass Loop #740
Distance: 7.5 mile loop
Uses: hiking only
A popular loop accessed at Rainy Pass trailhead. Trail starts through big timber. At Heather Pass there’s a trail leading off towards Lewis Lake. This trail is faint and should only be followed by experienced hikers. Beyon Heather Pass, the trail emerges into the high alpine zone before decending along a ridge between Lake Ann and Rainy Lake. The trail drops back into timber and then junctions with the Rainy Lake trail. Hike for another .25 mile on the trail to return to the trailhead.

Rainy Lake #310
Distance: Just under 2 miles, round trip
Description: A paved trail accessing this alpine lake makes a great outing for all ages in the family. Cliffs and waterfalls surround the lake, and deciduous foliage in autumn provides great photo taking opportunities. The lake is also home to cutthroat trout and fishing is allowed.

Winthrop and surrounding area hikes

Black Lake #500:
Distance: about 8 miles round trip
Uses: hiking and horses
Info: A hike through a forested valley to a large mountain lake.

Copper Glance Lake #519
Distance: 3.3 miles
Info: A steep and strenuous climb from the end of the Eightmile road rewards you with an alpine lake and views of the Eightmile valley and craggy Isabella Ridge. The first part of the trail follows an old jeep trail for 1.5 miles. The trail is rocky in places and several streams must be forded. Trail not maintained.

Crystal Lake #517
Distance: 9.2 miles
Info: Long trail to an alpine lake. Subalpine scenery complete with meadows and bare rocky ridges. Campsites available at the lake and surrounding area make it a good pick for an overnighter.

Twisp and surrounding area hikes

North Creek #413
Distance: 4.8 miles
Info: Open meadows, views of the Sawtooths and Abernathy Ridge, and a nice lake on the north side of Gilbert Mountain. A hidden trail heading uphill right before the lake is an old mining camp.

Scatter Lake #427
Distance: 4.2
Info: Views of the Sawtooth Range and Abernathy Ridge.

Here are a few key points for ensuring a good outting:

1. check to see if your trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass
2. Check conditions
3. Gather the essentials: map, food, water, clothing, etc.
4. Tell someone where you are going.
5. Have fun, take pictures, and report back.