Trail Conditions

• 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 theFreestone Inn and Suites, or theInn at Mazama.

  • Rainy Lake #3101.8 miles, under 50 ft elevation gain

  • Trail use type: ADA multi-useWhy to go: views of Rainy Lake and LarchesMaintained: every year by USFSCurrent conditions/Notes: Trail clear of windfall and snow 6/30

    • Maple Pass Loop #740

  • 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: Clear of downed trees. Snow between Maple and Heather passes. (06/20). Be mindful when passing to not expand the trail in delicate subalpine terrain, and observe areas that are closed for restoration.
    

    • Blue Lake #3144.4 miles, 1050 ft elevation gain

  • Trail use type: hiking, climbing, fishingWhy to go: views, wildflowersMaintained: annually by USFSCurrent conditions/Notes: Trail clear of trees and snow. (06/30). 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 #4763.5 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.

    • Driveway Butte #4188.6 miles round trip, 3030 ft elevation gain

  • 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: Logged out and snow free (06/30)

    • Easy Pass #7417 miles round trip, 2800 ft elevation gain

  • Trail use type: hikingWhy to go: views, larchesMaintained by: USFSCurrent Conditions/Notes: Logged out and snow free. Small debris slide at 4900ft has covered the trail, but is easy to navigate. (6/30)

    • East Creek #75618 miles round trip, 4500 ft elevation gain

  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: Mostly snow free (6/30). 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 theTwisp River Inn, which is close to many trails.

• Louis Lake Trail #42810 miles round trip, 2,200 feet elevation gain

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’.

• Williams Creek Trail #40715 miles round trip, 3647 ft elevation gain

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.

• War Creek #408 18.6 miles round trip, 3630 ft elevation gain

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.

• 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 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. 

• West Fork Buttermilk #411

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. 

• Twisp River Trail #440

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.

• Scatter Lake Trail #4279.2 miles Round Trip, 3,850 ft elevation gain

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. Logged out to the lake as of 7/6.

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 theCassia 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 theEvergreen Website for more information.

• Beaver Lake #3563 miles round trip, 100 ft elevation gain

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. For more information, check out their website https://www.evergreenmtb.org/trails/north-summit-trails.

• 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 theChewack 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, 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 ninemiles up the trail from the trailhead. MVTC staff spent 8 days logging out the rest of Andrews Creek to the Border Ridge, over to Cathedral, and eventually heading east meeting up with PNTA crews on the Chewuch. (7/1)
  

  • 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. PNTA and MVTC completed logging out to Remmel Lake. (7/1)

  • 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).

  • North 20 Mile Trail #56012.8 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. 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 outthis mapto 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 

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. WTA cleared to the final approach to the lake(o.5ish mile) leaving behind only 8 logs. (06/30)

• 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

With the Mazama Store immediately present to fuel the beginnings or ends of adventures, the region offers multiple trails showcasing views of the upper Methow Valley and often climb to some beautiful alpine country. Located in the North Westernmost part of the Methow Valley, this section is the closest amenities to Washington Pass. It also offers options for dispersed camping.

Goat Peak Lookout: Perched in a prime location for beautiful views of the Pasayten high country, Northern Sawtooths, and Washington Pass. While the drive to access the trail is long and winding, the trail itself is only a few miles long albiet a good climb. The lookout is staffed, but they are often too busy with critical fire and emergency response communications to greet the public.

Conditions: The trail gets annual maintenance so that the lookout can get supplies packed in via Forest Service Pack Mules. Snow and log free (6/30)

Monument Creek: While many folks take advantage of the 3.5 meandering forest walk to Eureka Creek, where MVTC and volunteers built a foot log in 2023, the trail beyond is steep, dry, and exposed for 6 miles where the beauty of Pistol Pass and the deep Pasayten greets visitors.

Conditions: The trail to the wilderness boundary sees maintenance early in the season. MVTC and volunteers cleared logs and brush for the first time in decades from Eureka Creek to Lake of The Woods(6/30)

Robinson Creek: A meandering hike at a modest grade through green forests, meadows, and an old burn scar. At 2.7 miles, experienced hikers and climbers can find an maintained trail leading up to Robinson and Beauty Peak. 6 miles past that point, the trail arrives at Robinson Pass. Beyond the pass, the trail continues into the Middle Fork Pasayten drainage which delves deep into the wilderness and can be used as an access to places like Ferguson Lake, Fred and Dorris Lakes, Shellrock Pass, and much more.

Conditions: USFS logged out to the wilderness boundary in late April. MVTC and volunteers logged out from the boundary to Beauty Creek in early June. WTA finished up logging out to the pass. (6/30)

Wilderness enthusiasts looking to cut off some mileage can use the Harts Pass road, which goes up past 6,000ft to the wilderness boundary.

Harts Pass: Continuing on the Lost River Road past the Rattlesnake junction will lead you on the long road to Harts Pass. Be weary of oncoming traffic, as the road is tight in some spots. As the expected from the highest road in Washington, the view is extraordinary, there is a campground at the top that sees steady traffic through the summer months. It’s last road the PCT crosses before the final 30 mile stretch to the Canadian border. The pass itself is the wilderness boundary and drops down into the Middle Fork Pasayten, making it perfect for long trips on the PCT, hiking to the Boundary Trail, and other trails such as Buckskin Ridge.