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Crystal Lake Trail #517
This trail is no longer maintained, since it burned over in a 2003 wildfire. This long side hill and valley trail, was mostly in timber within the Pasayten Wilderness. This trail goes to Crystal Lake, a beautiful alpine lake, and there are two other lakes nearby without trail access requiring cross-county travel. This would be a good trail for experienced hikers desiring solitude as there are many, many down trees on the trail and parts of the trail have been washed out. This trail is impassable to stock and is challenging for hikers.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current conditions information. Trail burned over in 2003 wildfire. Trail has many down trees and some wash-out areas. This trail has not been maintained for many years, impassable for stock. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | No fees. The Northwest Forest pass is NOT required. |
| Permit Info: | Wilderness permits are required in the Pasayten Wilderness (free, self-issue permits are available at the trailhead). |
| Open Season: | July |
| Best Season: | August |
| Busiest Season: | August |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. Certified weed free hay required on national forest lands. |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No drinking water |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet at trailhead |
| Passes: | Northwest Forest pass NOT required. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District, |
General Information
Directions:See: From Winthrop take Okanogan County Road 1213 (West Chewuch Road) north about 6 miles to where it joins with Forest Service Road 51. Continue north about 20 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 5100-080 and drive 0.25 mile to the Crystal Lake trailhead
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Lake fishing at Crystal Lake and nearby Kidney Lake and Halfmoon Lake.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: See additional information under Backpacking.Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:This trail burned over in 2003 and has many, many down trees across the trail. This trail has not been maintained for many years, is challenging for hikers and is impassable for stock. This trail is a good opportunity for a 1-2 night backpack trip, offering some views of the Chewuch River and Mt. Barney area. The country is mostly subalpine here with small meadow areas and bare rocky ridges. Specific Difficulties: Many camps around the lake shores have been overused in the past. Wear and trampling was occurring from stock grazed or tied too near the lake. Whenever you can, avoid the already heavily used areas and find more secluded, off-trail camps.
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: | |
| Toilets: | vault toilets at trailhead only |
Location
