Crater Creek Trail #416

Crater Creek Trail is popular for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bike trail users. The trail stays close to the creek as it climbs up through a series of Ice Age basins to Crater Lake, surrounded by subalpine forest and wet meadows. Last 0.75 mile is mostly level with good views. Horse camp is 0.25 mile from lake. Trail is open to hikers, horses and mountain bikes (closed to motorcycles). Bicycles and hikers yield to horses when meeting on the trail.

Sawtooth Backcountry - brochure and map (Methow Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts)

Sawtooth Backcountry - map only. This is a GeoPDF which can be downloaded into phone apps such as Avenza so that you can locate yourself on the map while out on the trails.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	For current trail condition information
Fees:	NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required. $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead.
Open Season:	Mid July
Best Season:	August - September
Busiest Season:	August
Restrictions:	Trail closed to motorcycles. E-Bikes (with full electric motor power or pedal assist) are not allowed. Weed free hay required for stock of all forest lands (processed grains okay).
Closest Towns:	Carlton, Washington
Water:	no potable water
Restroom:	Vault Toilet at trailhead
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Methow Valley Ranger District.

General Information

Directions:

From Twisp take State Route 20 south for 2 miles, to junction with State Route 153. Take State Route 153 south for 12 miles to Okanogan County Road 1029 (Gold Creek Loop) and follow a short distance to County Road 1034 (Gold Creek Road). Take County Road 1034, which becomes Forest Service Road 4340, about 6 miles to Forest Service Road 4340-300 (Crater Creek Road). Take Forest Service Road 4340-300 for 4.6 miles to the Crater Creek Trailhead. Follow Eagle Creek Trail #431 for 0.7 mile, cross Crater Creek and turn right onto this Crater Creek Trail. Next stream crossing is a bridge.

General Notes:

This trail is closed to motorcycles and all motorized use.

This area is popular with mountain bikers. Be considerate of all trail users, when encountering stock on the trail. Talk to the horseriders so the stock can recognize your location and not feel threatened by your actions. Move off the lower side of the trail and continue talking to the animals until all have past. Mountain bikers and hikers can take their packs and bikes off the lower side of the trail with them, and talk to the animals to reassure them. These measures will assure safety to everyone for their common enjoyment.