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.

 

    • 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.

      • Trail use type: ADA multi-useWhy to go: views of Rainy Lake and LarchesMaintained: every year by USFSCurrent conditions/Notes: Trail under snow (05/19)

      • A 6.5-mile loop that gains and loses 2,020 ft of elevationTrail use type: hikingWhy to go: scenic views of the North Cascades, Larches, LakesMaintained: Annually by USFSCurrent conditions/notes: Several trees down. Snow between Maple and Heather passes, and the lower portions are muddy with patchy snow (06/11). Be mindful when passing to not expand the trail in delicate subalpine terrain, and observe areas that are closed for restoration.

      • Trail use type: hiking, climbing, fishingWhy to go: views, wildflowersMaintained: annually by USFSCurrent conditions/Notes: Several trees down and patchy snow/mud (06/11). Be mindful when passing to not expand the trail in the delicate 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, horsesWhy to go: views, creek, waterfallMaintained: 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 miles as of early May 2025, and was cleared in its entirety in 2024.

      • Trail use type: hiking, stock useWhy to go: views of Pasayten Wilderness and Silverstar wildflowers, Maintenance: annually by MVTC staff and volunteersConditions: Logged out and brushed in 2024. Logged out and snow free, 05/20. Brush to summit is not too bad.

        • Cutthroat Creek #4833.4 miles round trip, 488 ft elevation gain to lakeTrail use type: hiking, cycling, fishing, horses, no motorized vehicles 

      • Why to go: Cutthroat Lake, Views of the North Cascades from Cutthroat PassMaintained: annually by USFS and MVTCCurrent Conditions/Notes: One long across trail and melted to the lake. Snow/mud beyond lake junction (06/11)

      • Trail use type: hikingWhy to go: views, larchesMaintained by: USFSCurrent Conditions/Notes: 

      Trail use type: hikingWhy 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 underudner snow (05/19). Impassable to stock otherwise, the creek crossing at the trail's start at Granite Creek is difficult or dangerous at high water.

  • 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.

    Trail use type: Hiking, Horseback riding, fishing at the lake

    Why go: Louis Lake is a relatively easy day hike or overnight backpacking trip. The trail is maintained annually and is in good condition. Much of the trail offers scenic views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and the lake itself has a unique large island. MVTC replaced a large stock bridge on this trail in 2023.

    Current conditions/notes: The trail was cleared to the lake, and a washout was repaired by USFS/MVTC in 2024. In late May of 2025, MVTC logged out 3 miles from the trailhead and encountered snow at 4,500’.

    Trail use type: hiking, backpacking, horseback

    Why go: Very moderate grade, and nice open valley views.Current conditions/notes: Cleared to the Wilderness boundary by MVTC staff and volunteers in Late May 2025. USFS trail crew logged out to the lake in August 2024. Expect moderate brush and some narrow tread that may be difficult for stock beyond the wilderness boundary.

    Trail use type: hiking, backpacking, horseback

    Why go: Solitude, the War Creek cabin is a historic administrative structure open to the public, and a unique overnight destination in the Wilderness. The trail does connect to Stehekin via the Purple Pass trail in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

    Current Conditions: The first four miles of the trail were logged out in 2024 by the USFS and Washington Trails Association. The road to the trailhead is still impassible to vehicles, and visitors must park at the junction with NF-4430. The trail has not been maintained in 2025, and visitors can expect several logs down beyond where work stopped in 2024.

    Trail use type: Hiking or horseback ridingWhy go: The Oval Lakes are just absolutely stunning.

    Current conditions/notes: MVTC has been picking away at logout early in the season (current through 06/11). The Oval Creek trail has been logged out for the first two miles. Visitors can expect moderate blowdown past where work has stopped. Crews have not yet been on Eagle Creek. 

    15 Miles Round Trip to Fish Creek Pass, open to hikers and equestrians.

    Why Go: A long but possible day trip to Star Lake on the National Recreation Area and access to three of Washington's 100 highest peaks make this trail a good outing for those who enjoy it. 

    Current Conditions: logged out 1.3 miles by MVTC staff and volunteers as of (06/11) there is a stock impassible landslide three miles up the trail. User reports indicate there are many trees across the trail beyond the landslide. 

    Why Go: an easy half or full day hike, bike ride, or run. 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.

    Current Conditions: logged out by MVTC and Volunteers in sections from Late April 2025 to Late May 2025. Brush is regrowing in burned areas, but it is lovely between War Creek and Slate Trailhead. Expect new trees down after spring wintstorms.

    Use types: Hiking, equestrian

    Why Go: short, steep, access to a deep blue lake, and Abarnathy Peak

    Current Conditions: logged out in 2024. In 2025, MVTC staff and volunteers logged out, removed heavy brush, and maintained tread to the Wilderness boundary. There is another half mile of heavy brush obstructing the trail and making passage difficult for stock before the brush clears up. We have received trip reports of 25-30 logs across the trail (06/11)

  • 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 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.

    A short out and back to a lake in a recent burn.Current Conditions: Typically logged out annually by volunteers. A user report indicates there are 68 trees across the trail as of 06/11/2025

    • Blue Buck #421 A mixed use motorized trail with several options for cross-country gravel or dirt bike rides connecting 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 6/11/2025.

    • Lightning 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 Association.

    Bear Mountain #442 5-mile 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. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance logged out the trail in early June 2025.

    • 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.

      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, including the Cathedral Range. The trail is maintained annually by the USFS and BCHW. 

      Current Conditions: Logout, deferred brushing, and tread work accomplished by volunteers from Backcountry Horsemen of Washington and Methow Valley Ranger District Staff Memorial Day weekend. The crew worked to snowline nine miles from the trailhead.

      • Chewuch #510 37.4 miles round trip, 3300 ft elevation gainUse Types: hiking, backpacking, and equesrians. A long, flat trail through a mosaic burn. This trail is the beginning of the Tungsten Mine lollipop loop.

      Current Conditions: The First six miles of the trail were cleared by USFS staff in early June, 2025.

      • Crystal Lake #51717.2 miles round trip, 4377 ft elevation gain. Not maintained. It is only recommended for the very adventurous.

      • Copper Glance #519This trail is short and steep. It climbs 2,395 feet of elevation in a 5.2-mile round trip, hiking to access a lovely alpine lake and some off-trail scrambling. Typically maintained annually or every other year by FS or volunteers. 

      Current conditions: logs across the trail, but mostly snow-free with some patches before the lake (06/11).

      A challenging hike accesses the historic North 20-mile lookout. There is a hitching rail at the trailhead, though there is limited parking. The trail is maintained annually by volunteers from MVTC and the Methow Valley Forest Fire Lookout Association.

      Current Conditions: Volunteers logged out to snowline at 3,799’ on May 21st. The crew reported a lighter logload than years past, but the trail corridor is beginning to be obscured by brush. Hikers can anticipate logs beyond where work stopped in May, and possible new blowdowns.

      Lake 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 Forest Service and volunteers maintain the first four miles annually..

      Current Conditions: logged out to the lake in May of 2025. Ceanothus and Willows are encroaching on the trail corridor and the trail is very brushy to the lake. There is an impassible stock rock slide along the bank of Black Lake.  

      Falls Creek #518  A flat, paved trail leads to the Falls Creek Falls. The more adventurous can continue, though the trail is not maintained past the falls.

  • 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!

    A 10 .2 mile roudtrip that gains 3,000 feet of elevation.

    Use types: hiking, equestrian, backpacking.The trail starts high, and stays high gaining spectacular views and larchs in the fall. Libby Lake is in a gorgeous alpine basin, and the adventurous can climb nearby HooDoo Peak.

    Current Conditions: MVTC staff and volunteers logged out to the snowline 2.2 miles up the trail on May 16th, 2025. There are likely downed trees beyond, but the trail is otherwise in good condition.

    • Crater Creek #416Maintained annually by USFS and volunteers from the Northwest Motorcycle Association. Minimal creek crossings and cleared of logs as of 6/27/24

 

Trails Conditions Form