Driveway Butte Trail #481


The beginning of the trail follows an old skid road uphill for the first half mile then becomes more of a trail as it heads up towards a small pass. From the pass at 2.2 miles to the open meadows at 4.0 miles, the trail is within the 2003 Needle Creek Fire perimeter.  The subsequent brush growth and continued downed snags can make travel difficult. The trip to the top can be dry in the middle of the summer season, but the views are well worth the work. Silver Star Mountain and the Early Winters area are among the many views from the summit, which was once a lookout tower site. Specific difficulties: Both USGS and Green Trails maps show a trail leading down the north side of the Driveway Butte to the Methow River Trail. This was part of the old Pasayten sheep driveway and was abandoned many years ago. This north side trail is difficult to follow and is non-existent in places.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: For current trail conditions go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking
Fees: A Recreation Pass is required. ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead).
Open Season: Late May
Best Season: June
Busiest Season: June
Restrictions: Certified weed-free hay is required on national forest lands.
Closest Towns: Winthrop, WA
Water: No potable water
Restroom: Vault toilet
Passes: A Recreation Pass is required. ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead).
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Methow Valley Ranger District  

General Information

Directions: From Winthrop drive State Route 20 west about 18.5 miles to Klipchuck Campground. Near the self-service fee station there is a gated service road. Please do not park in front of the gate. The trail begins about 100 yards down this road and is marked by green "trees."

Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Steep, south-facing trail that melts out early in the season giving access to beautiful wildflowers and high elevation rugged mountain views before other trails are snow free.

See additional information under Backpacking.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

The trip to the top can be dry in the middle of the summer season, but the views are well worth the work. Silver Star and the Early Winters area are among the many views from the summit, which was once a lookout tower site. The trail does not receive much use except by hunters in the fall. Specific difficulties: Both USGS and Green Trails maps show a trail leading down the north side of Driveway Butte to the Methow River Trail. This was part of the old Pasayten sheep driveway and was abandoned many years ago. This north side trail is difficult to follow and non-existent in places. This trail has no water in summer and fall.

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:

See additional information under Backpacking. This trail has no water in summer and fall.

Amenities

Interpretive Site: information bulletin board
Picnic tables: day use picnic tables
Fee charged for some activities: self-pay stations available for required recreation pass
Parking: Hitching Rail, Horse Loading Ramp
Toilets: vault toilets