Trail Conditions
Looking for the conditions of your favorite trail? Or are you looking for a trail in a certain area that’s in good shape? You’ve come to the right place. If you use the search box below, you will find all the mentioned instances of your favorite trail, including maintenance reports. The most up-to-date maintenance reports are on our trail conditions blog, which we will be updating bi-weekly throughout the summer and fall.
Information comes from MVTC staff and our partners, who also maintain the trails. The list on this page is not a comprehensive list of the trails around the Methow, but it is intended to give a sampling of some loved trails on Forest Service lands that see regular maintenance.
Many resources are available to learn about some of the more common trails near the Methow’s population centers. Check out Methow Trails’ Summer Trails page or the Methow Cycle and Sport Trails Page for a few ideas, or search for a trip report from the Washington Trails Association.
Do you have information about a trail that needs or doesn’t need work? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page so we can update our maintenance plan! Let us know about specifics like logs on the trail, obstructive brush growth, the condition of existing structures (we’re always looking to replace another bridge), or significant washouts.
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The scenic North Cascade corridor offers world-class recreation opportunities and some of the Methow Valley Ranger District's most frequently visited trails. This section describes a few trails that are regularly maintained in the corridor, and a few that are maintained sporadically. These descriptions are exclusively for trails on the Methow Valley Ranger District, which extends as far West as the Canyon Creek Trailhead. If you are visiting in the fall to observe larches, expect crowds, too! Please observe posted no parking signs, and be considerate of delicate alpine vegetation when passing others on trails. There are a variety of USFS campsites along the corridor, or consider staying at the Freestone Inn and Suites, or the Inn at Mazama.
Rainy Lake #310
1.8 miles, Under 50 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: ADA multi-use
Why to go: views of Rainy Lake and Larches
Maintained: every year by USFS
Current conditions/Notes: Trail udner snow (05/19)A 6.5-mile loop that gains and loses 2,020 ft of elevation
Trail use type: hiking
Why to go: scenic views of the North Cascades, Larches, Laes
Maintained: Annually by USFS
Current conditions/notes: Trail udner snow (05/19) Be mindful when passing to not expand the trail in delicate subalpine terrain, and observe areas that are closed for restoration.
Blue Lake #314
4.4 miles, 1050 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking, climbing, fishing
Why to go: views, wildflowers
Maintained: annually by USFS
Current conditions/Notes: Trail udner snow (05/19). Be mindful when passing to not expand the trail in delaice subalpine terrain. The Climbers access spur leaves the Blue Lake trail at approximately 1.5 miles and is signed.Cedar Creek #476
3.5 miles round trip, 500 ft elevation gain to Cedar falls, or further on to Abernathy Pass
Trail use type: biking, hiking, horses
Why to go: views, creek, waterfall
Maintained: every year by USFS and volunteers.
Current conditions/Notes: This trail saw significant post fire restoration after the Cedar Creek Fire. The tread is in excellent shape and now is a great time to ride or hike. It is clear of logs and snow for the first 4.5 mieles, and was cleared in its entireity in 2024.Driveway Butte #418
8.6 miles round trip, 3030 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking, stock use
Why to go: views of Pasayten Wilderness and Silverstar wildflowers,
Maintenance: annually by MVTC staff and volunteers
Conditions: Loggoed out and brushed in 2024. Logged out and snow free, 05/20. Brush to summit is not too bad.
Cutthroat Creek #483
3.4 miles round trip, 488 ft elevation gain to lake
Trail use type: hiking, cycling, fishing, horses, no motorized vehicles
Why to go: Cutthroat Lake, Views of the North Cascades from Cutthroat Pass
Maintained: annually by USFS and MVTC
Current Conditions/Notes: Trail udner snow (05/19)Easy Pass #741
7 miles round trip, 2800 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking
Why to go: views, larches
Maintained: by USFS
Current Conditions/Notes:East Creek #756
18 miles round trip, 4500 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking
Why to go: views, access to the historic Meebee Pass fire lookout.
Maintained: The USFS rarely maintains the entire trail, but dedicated volunteers maintain the first 4 miles to the Gold Creek mine site regularly.
Current Conditions/Notes: Trail udner snow (05/19). Impassable to stock otherwise, the creek crossing at the trails start at Granite Creek is difficult or dangerous at high water.
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The Twisp River drainage has several trails that access the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. Many of these trails make wonderful day hikes, short backpacking trips, or day rides for stock. Those interested in a cross country mountain bike ride should check out the Twisp River Trail which is accessed by Twisp River Road at several points. There are other trails than those listed below, but this selection typically sees maintenance. Since they are a little further from other population centers, these trails are generally less crowded than others in the Methow. The Twisp River trails are a good spot for those seeking some solitude. There are Forest Service campgrounds in the Twisp River, or consider staying at the Twisp River Inn, which is close to many trails.
Louis Lake Trail #428
10 miles round trip, 2,200 feet elevation gain
Trail use type: Hiking, Horseback riding, fishing at lake
Why go: views, lake, old growth, meadows
Maintained: typically every other year by USFS
Current conditions/notes: USFS trail crew cleared logs to the lake August, 2024. Expect brushy conditions and one washout that will be difficult for stock. The trail begins at the South Creek Trailhead. Note that there is a private inholding on the South Creek Trail beyond the trail Junction. Please do not trespass on the South Creek Trail beyond.
Williams Creek Trail #407
15 miles round trip, 3647 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking, backpacking, horseback
Why go:
Maintained: typically every other year by USFS
Current conditions/notes: USFS trail crew Logged out to the lake August 2024. Expect brush and some narrow tread that may be difficult for stockWar Creek #408
18.6 miles round trip, 3630 ft elevation gain
Trail use type: hiking, backpacking, horseback
Why go:
Maintained: sporadically by USFS and Washington Trails Association
Current conditions/notes: the road is washed out 1.5 miles from the trailhead and 5 miles past the trailhead, but it is possible to stock and hikers. The first 5 miles were cleared in 2024. The trail condition beyond is unknown but likely log-heavy.Eagle Creek #410/ Oval Creek #410A
Hike as a loop, or access the lovely Oval Lakes as an out and back in 13.6 miles with 5,429 feet of gain
Trail use type: Hiking or horseback riding
Maintained: Annaully by USFS and partner gorups
Current conditions/notes: Typically maintained annually. Currently closed due to Pioneer Fire
West Fork Buttermilk #411
19 Miles Round Trip to Purple Pass.
This trail is typically logged out every other year, and was last cleared in completion in 2021. The first three miles have been cleared in 2024. At the three mile mark, a landslide has all but obliterated the old tread. There is a go around, but not cleared past and will be impassable for stock. Currently Closed due to the Pioneer Fire.
This relatively flat 14-mile trail is mixed-use and accessible from several spots along Twisp River Road, including Twisp River Snow Park, Mystery Campground, Slate Creek Trailhead, and Gilbert Trailhead. The multiple access points allow for various shuttle options. The Trail is maintained annually by volunteers and was entirely brushed by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance in 2022.
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Located between Twisp and Omak, the Loup Loup area has lots of options for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and dirt bike riding. In the Winter, the South Summit Snow Park accesses 20 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, too. Just remember your snow park pass. Those interested in camping can stay at the Loup Loup Campground or book a stay at the Cassia Lodge, which is near to the trails in the Beaver Meadows area. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Methow Valley Backcountry Horsemen, and Methow Valley Ranger District are building a new network of multi use trails in this area. Check out the Evergreen Website for more information.
Beaver Lake #356
3 miles round trip, 100 ft elevation gain
1-year maintenance cycle by USFS and volunteers. Cleared of fallen logs in June of 2024
A short out and back to a lake in a recent burnA mixed use motorized trail with several options for cross country gravel rides or dirt bike rides that connect to Forest Service Roads.
1-year maintenance cycle by USFS and volunteers from the Northwest Motorcycle Association. The trail is fully clear of downed logs as of 6/22/24. The Evergreen Mountain Bike AllianceLightning Creek #425
5.9 miles round trip, 2,370 feet of elevation gain, A mixed use trail with options for figure 8 loops Maintained annually by USFS and volunteers from the Northwest Motorcycle AssociationBear Mountain #442
5 miles figure eight, 1200 ft elevation gain a popular gravel and mountain bike ride
Maintained annually by USFS and Methow Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance Fully clear of downed trees as of 6/23/24, snowy in winter months, generally rocky and dry soil.
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Those interested in a Wilderness excursion can find solitude up the Chewuch River Road. There are options for road or gravel biking loops, and some long trails into the Pasayten Wilderness. The closest accommodations to many of these trails are at the Chewack River Ranch.
Andrews Creek #504
This flat Pasayten thoroughfare only gains 4,000 feet of elevation over 16 miles. It accesses Andrews Pass and some scenic parts of the deep Pasayten. It is maintained annually by the USFS was last cleared and June 2024
Burned timber areas, rocky and highly exposed to sun. Cleared of downed trees in its entirety summer 2024Chewuch #510
37.4 miles round trip, 3300 ft elevation gain
1-year maintenance cycle by USFS
Fully cleared of downed logs as of 7/10/2024Crystal Lake #517
17.2 miles round trip, 4377 ft elevation gain. Not maintained. It is only recommended for the very adventurous.Copper Glance #519
This trail is short and steep. It climbs 2,395 feet of elevation in a 5.2-mile round trip, hikes to access a lovely alpine lake and some off-trail scrambling. Typically maintained annually or every other year by FS or volunteers. Currently not cleared of logs, but no major trail obstructions.
Brushed by MVTC and WCC crew 1.75 miles in. Last cleared of logs in summer 2023.North 20 Mile Trail #560
12.8 miles round trip, 4387 ft elevation gain. A challenging hike accesses the historic North 20-mile lookout. There is a hitching rail at the trailhead, though there is limited parking.
Maintained annually by volunteers from MVTC and the Methow Valley Forest Fire Lookout Association
Logged out as of June 2024. MVTC hosted a treading work party in 2023Lake Creek#500
A flat 9.4 miles round trip, 826 ft elevation gain out and back accesses Black Lake. The trail is not maintained beyond the Headwaters of the Lake. The first four miles of trail are maintained annually by the Forest Service. Last cleared of logs in June of 2024.
A flat, paved trail leads to the Falls Creek Falls. The more adventurous can continue, though the trail is not maintained past the falls.
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There are some incredible recreational opportunities down the valley. The most notable network of trails is the Sawtooth Backcountry, which is open to multiple uses, including motorized dirt bike riding. This network accesses some gorgeous alpine terrain for all users and is maintained each year once the snow melts by some dedicated local riders. Check out this map to determine which trails are open to different use types if you are planning a trip. It's possible to encounter all sorts of users in the Sawtooth Backcountry, so practice responsible recreation and share the trails!
Libby Creek #415
2 year maintenance cycle by USFS
Logged out to wilderness boundary as of July 2024, cleared entirely in 2023
Maintained annually by USFS and volunteers from Northwest Motorcycle Association. Minimal creek crossings and cleared of logs as of 6/27/24