Trail Conditions

 

Looking for the conditions of your favorite trail, or are you planning a trip on a new-to-you trail and wondering if it’s in good shape? You’ve come to the right place. MVTC’s trail conditions page is a resource of maintenance reports and trail conditions for system trails across the Methow Valley Ranger District and around the Methow Valley. 

There are over 1,100 miles of trail in the Methow Valley Ranger District, and this page is not a comprehensive list of all those trail miles. It is a list of trails accessible via roads on Forest Service lands that receive regular to intermittent maintenance, along with recent maintenance reports and other relevant information. To use the page, check the drop-down below, which is broken down by geographic area, to see if a maintenance report is available, or enter the name or number of your favorite trail (e.g., Twisp River Trail #440) in the search box to find places where it is mentioned on the site. If you see something in need of work, let us know with the trail conditions reporting form at the bottom of this page. Trip reports are immensely helpful in forming our work plans.

For more trip planning resources, head over to the trail crew conditions blog. It’s updated bi-weekly during the field season by MVTC’s staff with maintenance reports from our crews and partner organizations. The blog is intended to give a sense of the work accomplished and conditions on the ground. We are also launching a “logout map” in 2026 for visual learners who prefer to see which trails have been logged out this season. The blog and map are resources for those seeking information about backcountry trails.

 

  • 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. Details on trails in the North Cascades National Park can be found on the park’s website. 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, the Inn at Mazama, or Mazama Ranch House. Trails on this page are listed from East (Mazama direction) to West (Ross Lake).

    Canyon Creek Trailhead

  • 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. For those willing to make the drive, Harts Pass, the highest point accessible by car in Washington state, also offers many beautiful alpine trails. If hiking a trail in the valley bottom, keep an eye and ear out for rattlesnakes, who love sunny south-facing cliff sides. Rattlesnakes are not a concern if recreating at Hart’s Pass, but be sure to check the weather report before driving up, since the road has experienced washouts due to floods in past summers. Located in the northwesternmost part of the Methow Valley, this area is the closest to these amenities: The Freestone Inn, The Inn at Mazama, Mazama Ranch House, and Rolling Huts. Trails are described from East to West, then from Harts Pass. 

    • Goat Peak Lookout Trail #457 - 2.2 miles from the trailhead to the summit
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian
      Highlights: Views of the upper Methow Valley, Larches in the fall, and a staffed lookout in the summer
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes: (5/16/26) The road to TH is passible. Recommend a higher clearance vehicle as there are a few rough wash-out debris areas. There is no snow in the parking area. 30-36” of snow still on the ground on the steeper northern aspect. The trail is visible and traceable until past the second open area where the slope steepens.

    • Monument Creek Trail #484 - 25 miles, though only the first 4 miles to Eureka Creek are maintained regularly. MVTC cleared from Eureka Creek to Lake of the Woods for the first time in over a decade in 2025.
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian (stock are advised to turn around at Eureka Creek)
      Highlights: Views of the upper Methow Valley, Larches in the fall, and a lovely hike along the “lost river.”
      Considerations: Food storage order, Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day passfor the trailhead, self-issue wilderness permit
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged out to Lake of the Woods in 2025. In April of 2026 MVTC logged out to Eureka Creek. There are two major washouts, impassible to stock difficult for hikers near mile marker three. The trail to Pistol Pass is snow free and only three trees have fallen since MVTC’s work last year. Consistent snow from Pistol Pass to Lake of the Woods (06/01/2026)

    • Robinson Creek Trail #478 - 23 miles from the trailhead to the northern terminus deep in the Pasayten 
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian 
      Highlights: an unburned drainage accessing deep parts of the Pasayten Wilderness and offering a moderate day hike
      Considerations: Food storage order, Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass for the trailhead, self-issue wilderness permit
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged out to Robinson Pass. A trail bridge at MP4 is deteriorating, so equestrians use caution. MVTC’s crew is clearing the trail beyond Robinson Pass this week (06/26/2026)

    • West Fork of the Methow #480 - 9 miles from the trail head to the terminus at the Pacific Crest Trail
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian, biking
      Highlights: A beautiful valley with open views
      Considerations: Food storage order, Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day passfor the trailhead
      Current Conditions/Notes: Logged out to Trout Creek in 2025 (MP 3). Beyond Trout Creek, the trail was logged out and brushed in 2021, but the ceanothus has significantly encroached on the trail corridor. The trail between Trout Creek and the PCT is a wild experience through thick brush. Impassible for stock and bikes, but determined hikers can find a way through. There are two significant rock slides before Trout Creek. Stock impassible, hikers use caution (06/01/2026).

    HARTS PASS

    This iconic road is maintained annually, though it is narrow with consequential drop-offs. Trailers are not permitted on Harts Pass Road beyond Rattlesnake Campground, and vehicles over 14’ are discouraged. Volunteers often staff the Hart’s Pass guard station to answer questions and encourage responsible recreational use.

    The trails listed on this site are those that leave Harts Pass or are possible on a day hike. It is not an exhaustive list of trails in the Pasayten Wilderness accessed via Harts Pass. If you’re looking for more details on some of the more remote trails, check out the trail crew’s log blog or MVTC’s logout map page.

  • There are several options for recreating in and around the Town of Winthrop. Methow Trails and Methow Cycle and Sport offer great resources for summer trails accessible from town. On the Methow Ranger District, Wolf Creek near Winthrop trail accesses the Gardner group, the iconic mountains looming over town’s Old West main street. There are several lodging options in Winthrop, all with great access to trails just outside of town. Virginian, North Cascade Mountain Hostel, and Sun Mountain Lodge offer access to the network of trails out of the Chickadee Trailhead. 

    Winthrop 

    Chewuch River Drainage

    Those interested in a Wilderness excursion can find solitude up the Chewuch River Road. There are options for road or gravel biking loops along the East and West Chewuch roads, short day hikes, and some long trails into the heart of the Pasayten Wilderness. The closest accommodation to many of these trails is at the Chewack River Ranch.

    The following three trails are accessed via the Eight Mile Road (FSR 5130)

    • ‍Copper Glance #519‍ - 3 miles from the trailhead to the lake
      Trail Use Type: hiking
      Highlights: a historic mine along the trail and a stunning alpine lake in a beautiful cirque. Access to off trail scrambles.
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes: First 2.5 miles of trail logged out by MVTC volunteers. Patchy snow last half mile to the lake. (06/08/026)

    • Larch Creek Trail‍ #502- a sixteen-mile trail into the Pasayten Wilderness
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian
      Highlights: a beautiful trail that traverses the Pasayten high country and provides several options for backpacking loops
      Considerations: Food storage order, Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass; self-issue Wilderness Permit at the trailhead
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged out in 2025. The Drake Creek Connector #502A has seen significant work over the past few years, but remains stock impassible as of 2026. Equestrian volunteers logged out Larch Creek to the Fox Lake Junction in late June (06/26/2026)

    • Hidden Lakes Trail #477- a sixteen-mile trail into the Pasayten Wilderness
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian
      Highlights: a trail that accesses the heart of the Pasayten Wilderness and a stunning chain of lakes with interesting history.

    • Considerations: Food Storage Order, Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass; self-issue Wilderness Permit
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged out to the Drake Creek junction in 2025. The Drake Creek Connector #502A has seen some significant work over the past few years, but is still stock impassible as of 2026. We have received reports of hundreds of blowdowns across the trail from where work stopped in 2025 to the Lake, so expect slow travel. The trail north of Big Hidden Lake is not maintained, and the Tatoosh Buttes trail has not been logged out from this side since 2022. Logged out to Wilderness Boundary (06/12/2026).

    Trails below are accessed via the West Chewuch road and are described from South to North

    The trail below is accessed off the East Chewuch Rd. There are several other options for road walks along the East Chewuch Rd and FS 37, but this is the only trail on the Methow Ranger District that is regularly maintained. Trails in the Tiffany area are managed by the Tonasket Ranger District.

    • North 20 Mile Trail #560 - 6.5 miles from the trailhead to the summit.
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian
      Highlights: a steep hike that rewards the dedicated with an impressive summit and historic fire lookout.
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions. It’s easiest to access this trail by driving the West Chewuch Rd to Camp Four Campground, crossing the Chewuch River there, then making a short back track South to FR 700.
      Pass type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass.
      Current Conditions/Notes: Fully logged out by a dedicated crew of volunteers in 2025. Trail fully logged out in late May of 2026. (05/27/2026)

  • Running West from the town of Twisp, the Twisp River drainage has several trails leading into the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. These trails make wonderful day hikes, short backpacking trips, or day rides for equestrians. Those interested in a cross-country mountain bike ride should check out the Twisp River Trail, which is accessible from Twisp River Road at several points, offering shuttle opportunities. These trails are generally less crowded than others in the Methow, but you can expect company, especially during the fall larch season. Much of the Twisp River drainage lies within the Crescent Mountain burn scar, which has experienced significant blowdown over the last three years. You may experience some downfall across the trail, even if it is listed as logged out. There are Forest Service campgrounds in the Twisp River, or consider staying at the Twisp River Inn, which is close to many trails. Trails are described from Twisp, driving West up Twisp River Road.

    Trailheads below are on the South side of Twisp River and are described from East to West

    The following trails are on the North side of the Twisp River. They are described from East to West, from Twisp to Road’s End. 

  • Located on State Route 20 between Twisp and Okanogan, the Loup Loup area has many trail options for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and dirt bike riding. In the Winter, the South Summit Snow Park also offers over 40 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails and groomed snowmobile routes. Just remember your snow park pass. Those interested in staying overnight can camp at the Loup Loup Campground, book a stay at the Cassia Lodge, near the turnoff for Upper Beaver Creek Road, or lodge on the East side of the county. The Loup Loup area also offers a stunning fall display of Western Larch trees, which often turn yellow a few weeks after the Mountain Larches in other areas of the Ranger District. 

    The following two trails are accessed via the Upper Beaver Creek road. This area provides access to a wide array of forest service roads and connected multi-use single-track trails.

    • Lightning Creek #425 - 4.5 miles from the trailhead to FSR-130, then 1.5 miles of road riding connects to another mile of single track connecting FSR-100 to FSR-4235
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian, mountain biking, motorcycle riding
      Highlights: a unique single-track trail that connects to a network of FS roads and trails, providing opportunities for long loops
      Considerations: Leave No Trace; dogs/human wildlife interactions; multi-use trail etiquette. Keep a eye out for rattlesnakes in the area, and please close all gates in open range.
      Pass type: No pass required for this trailhead; however, if you park at the WDFW-managed Beaver Meadows campground, then a Discover Pass is required.
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged in 2026 by moto volunteers. MVTC replaced a trail bridge crossing the Middle Fork of Beaver Creek in 2022.

    • Blue Buck #421 - 2.8 miles from the trail junction to FSR 400, then another 4.6 miles to the trail's terminus at the Golden Staircase trail # 534
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian, mountain biking, motorcycle riding
      Highlights: a unique single-track trail that connects to a network of FS roads and trails, providing opportunities for long loops, including riding in Beaver Meadows and the Golden Staircase. This trail starts 1.5 miles up the Lightning Creek trail
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions, multi-use trail etiquette. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in the area, and please close all gates in open range.
      Pass type: No pass required for this trailhead; however, if you park at the WDFW-managed Beaver Meadows campground, then a Discover Pass is required.
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged in 2026. MVTC replaced a trail bridge crossing the Middle Fork of Beaver Creek in 2022. The upper trail can be brushy but Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and Trans Cascadia accomplished significant deferred brushing in 2023.

    The trails below are accessed from the summit of Loup Loup Pass

    • North Summit Trails - a network of trails in development by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and Methow Valley Ranger District.
      Trail Use Type: mountain biking, equestrian. Check trail maps to ensure you're riding appropriate trails for your designated use type.
      Highlights: a new trail system with flowy single track for mountain biking and designated equestrian routes. A later larch season than on the SR-20 corridor
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions, multi-use trail etiquette.
      Pass type: No pass required for this trailhead
      Current Conditions/Notes: Check Trail Forks for the most up-to-date conditions. Methow Evergreen has logged these trails out and indicates they are snow free and riding well (04/29/2026)

    • Bear Mountain #442 - a 2.4-mile single track often ridden as a figure 8 loop with FS roads
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian, mountain biking
      Highlights: a unique single-track trail that connects to a network of FS roads and trails, Larches in the fall
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions, multi-use trail etiquette. 
      Pass type: No pass required for this trailhead
      Current Conditions/Notes: Trail logged out in May 2026 by Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

    • Beaver Lake #356 - 1 mile from the trailhead to the lake
      Trail Use Type: hiking, equestrian
      Highlights: a short out and back to a lake, post fire recovery forest
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, dogs/human wildlife interactions
      Pass type: No pass required for this trailhead
      Current Conditions/Notes: User logged out in May 2026.

  • There are some incredible recreational opportunities in the lower valley. The most notable network of trails is the Sawtooth Backcountry, which is open to multiple uses, including mountain bikes and motorized dirt bike riding! This network accesses some gorgeous alpine terrain for all users and is maintained each year, once the snow melts, by dedicated local riders. Check out this map by Evergreen or this map from the USFS 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!

    • Eagle Lakes, Trail No. 431 - 5.6 miles one-way (to Boiling Lake)
      Trail Use Type: Hiking, Backpacking, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Moto/Dirtbike
      Highlights: this trail takes one on a stunning journey through lush forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and dramatic alpine terrain leading to the pristine Eagle Lakes. The upper lake in particular, with the steep and rugged flanks of Mt. Bigelow giving way to the larch lined shores. A great hike for both summer and fall!
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, Food Storage, Multi-Use Trail Etiquette, Sensitive Vegetation
      Trailhead: Crater Creek TH
      Pass Type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes: Spur trails to both upper and lower Eagle Lakes are closed to moto/dirtbikes. Logged out by moto volunteers (06/26/2026)

    • Cooney Lake, Trail No. 434 - .8 miles one-way
      Trail Use Type: Hiking, Backpacking, Equestrian, Mountain Biking
      Highlights: Cooney Lake, set at the base of Switchback Mountain and surrounded by larch trees makes this a beautiful and popular destination, especially in the fall. This multi-use trail leads to the northern shore of the lake to then up the intersection of Angels Staircase #1259.21
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, Food Storage, Multi-Use Trail Etiquette, Sensitive Vegetation,
      Trailhead: Crater Creek TH or Foggy Dew TH
      Pass Type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes: There is a public-use highline set up for equestrian users. The horse camp just off the Martin Creek Trail junction also has a highline set up. Logged out by moto volunteers. Expect patchy snow above 6,000’ (06/26/2026)

    • Foggy Dew Creek Trail No. 417 - 8.5 miles one-way (to Trail No. 1259 jct.)
      Trail Use Type: Hiking, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Moto/Dirtbike
      Highlights: Leading past two waterfalls along Foggy Dew Creek, this multi-use trail gives access to Merchants Basin and Sunrise Lake as well as the beautiful larch shores of Cooney Lake via the Martin Creek Trail #429 and Cooney Lake Trail #434.
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, Food Storage, Multi-Use Trail Etiquette
      Trailhead: Foggy Dew TH
      Pass Type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes: Logged out by moto volunteers. Expect patchy snow above 6,000’ (06/26/2026)

    • Foggy Dew Ridge, Trail No. 438 - 6.7 miles one-way
      Trail Use Type: Hiking, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Moto/Dirtbike
      Highlights: Largely used as a moto/dirt bike trail, this trail climbs Foggy Dew ridge and offers views south of the Navarre peaks and north to the Hunter Creek drainage, eventually linking up with the Martin Creek Trail #429.
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, Food Storage, Multi-Use Trail Etiquette
      Trailhead: N/A, Forest Road No. 200
      Pass Type: Not needed if parking on road
      Current Conditions/Notes. Logged out by moto volunteers. Expect patchy snow above 6,000’ (06/26/2026)

    • Navarre Way Trail No. #424 - 1.8 miles one-way
      Trail Use Type: Hiking, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Moto/Dirtbike
      Highlights: Largely used as a moto/dirt bike trail, this trail climbs from the Foggy Dew trail No. 417 to the Summer Blossom Trail No.1258 jct.
      Considerations: Leave No Trace, Food Storage, Multi-Use Trail Etiquette
      Trailhead: Foggy Dew TH
      Pass Type: America The Beautiful, Northwest Forest Pass, or day pass
      Current Conditions/Notes. Logged out by moto volunteers Expect patchy snow above 6,000’ (06/26/2026)

 

Trails Conditions Form