Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness
The 153,057 acre Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness straddles the Sawtooth range that runs southeast from the Cascade Crest and separates the Methow Valley and Lake Chelan. It is bordered to the northwest by the North Cascades National Park Complex. Creek drainages have cut deep ravines through much of the terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to 9,000 feet.
There are 63 lakes, many too small to have ever been named, often located in the high country without trail access. The Wilderness encompasses a diverse mixture of dense forest, meadows, alpine slopes, and high country. The open forest below tree line is home to bears and mule deer. Snow often covers much of the area from mid or late October through late June.
Approximately 194 miles of trails traverse the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Trails tend to be steady climbs into high basins and glacial cirques with lakes. Many parts of the Wilderness can be visited on a day trip and those areas are often crowded, particularly on weekends.
The major trailheads are located along the North Cascades Highway (State Highway 20); the Twisp River on the northeast; and Lake Chelan on the southwest. All trailheads on the south side of the wilderness must be gained via a regularly scheduled ferry boat or a private craft. Trails entering from the west first cross North Cascades National Park or Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
Active Alerts
General Information
Permits Required in certain areas:
- North Cascades National Park Service Complex requires a permit year-round for any overnight stay in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.
- Federal Dock Site Boat Permit is required May 1 – October 31 for use of all National Forest and Park Service docks on Lake Chelan.
- Some trailheads may require a day pass or valid recreation pass.
Proper Food Storage Required:
Visitors must properly store any human, pet or livestock food (excluding certified weed-free hay) to not attract wildlife. Acceptably stored examples: bear resistant container (IGBC), vehicle or boat, hard sided building, suspended 10 feet clear of the ground, or IGBG electric fence.
Getting There
Directions
Trailheads that access Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness
- Bridge Creek Trailhead - to Pacific Crest Trail south to Copper Pass Trail #426.
- Cedar Creek Trailhead - to Cedar Creek Trail #476.
- Eagle Creek/Oval Trailhead - Eagle Creek Trail #410, Oval Creek Trail #410A, Oval Lakes Trail #410B, Eagle Pass Trail.
- East Fork Buttermilk Trailhead - to East Fork Buttermilk Trail #420.
- Gilbert Trailhead - Copper Pass Trail #426, North Creek Trail #413, Twisp Pass Trail #432, and Twisp River Trail #440.
- Libby Lake Trailhead - to Libby Creek Trail #415.
- Moore Point Campground - to Lakeshore Trail #1247, Fish Creek Trail #1248.
- Prince Creek Campground - to Lakeshore Trail #1247, Prince Creek Wilderness Trail #1255.
- Reynolds Creek Trailhead - to Reynolds Creek Trail #402
- Scatter Creek Trailhead - to Scatter Creek Trail #427.
- Slate Creek Trailhead - to Slate Lake Trail #414, Twisp River Trail #440.
- South Navarre Campground - to Summit Wilderness Trail #1259.1, 1259.2.
- Twisp River Horse Camp Trailhead - to Twisp River Trail #440.
- War Creek Trailhead - to War Creek Trail #408.
- West Fork Buttermilk Trailhead - to West Fork Buttermilk Trail #411.
- Williams Trailhead - to Williams Creek Trail #407.
- Wolf Creek Trailhead - to Wolf Creek trail #527.
Other trails within Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness
- Horton Butte Trail #1250A
- Indianhead Basin Trail #1250
- North Fork Fish Creek Trail #1248A
- North Fork Prince Creek Trail #1254
- Oval Pass Trail #1259.13
- Summit Wilderness Trail #1259.1, 1259.2
- Surprise Lake Trail #1249
Topo Maps
Big Goat Mountain, Gilbert, Hoodoo Peak, Lucerne, Martin Peak, Mazama, McAlester Mountain, Midnight Mountain, Oval Peak, Prince Creek, Rendezvous Mountain, Silver Star Mountain, Sun Mountain, Thompson Ridge. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
Facility and Amenity Information
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
- Weed-free feed is required. Find more information here.
- Group size is limited to 12 humans and up to 18 head of stock.