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Hidden Lakes Trail #477
This is a heavily traveled route into a string of popular fishing lakes. The trail was totally burned over in the 2017 Diamond Creek Fire, leaving it largely exposed and offering no shade for hikers. At Hidden Lakes there is a junction with the Tatoosh Buttes Trail #485 leading steeply to high open meadow country. Since there is no grazing at Hidden Lakes, this is a common destination for stock users. Past the junction with Tatoosh Buttes Trail (#485), trail #477 has not been maintained in many years.
The string of lakes are interesting in that there is actually a pass between Middle and Big Hidden lakes with Big Hidden draining north to Canada and the rest of the lakes draining south via Lost River to the Methow. Lost River can be reached by taking a side path about 100 yards south of Diamond Creek. This steep 0.25 mile path reaches scenic meadows and sand bars along the river.
Hikers can make loop trips to the Sheep Mountain area by using the East Fork Pasayten Trail #451 over Dollar Watch Pass or turning up McCall Gultch Trail #548 or the Boundary Trail #533 over Bunker Hill (there trails were burned over in 2006 burn and are impassable to stock). Larch Creek Trail #502 takes you back to the Billy Goat Trailhead.
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: | No fee or pass needed. |
| Permit Info: | Wilderness permits required in Pasayten Wilderness. Free, self-issue permit is available at each trailhead. |
| Open Season: | Mid-June |
| Best Season: | August |
| Busiest Season: | July-September |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness use restrictions apply. No motorized or mechanized vehicles. Certified weed free hay is required on National forest lands (processed grains are okay). |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | At trailhead only |
| 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 travel north on West Chewuch Road (county road 1213) for 9.2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 5130 (Eightmile Creek Road). Follow signs for 16 miles to the Billy Goat Trailhead. The hiker trailhead (with limited parking) is located at end of road, one mile beyond horse trailhead.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Lake fishing at Cougar Lake and Hidden Lakes.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: See additional information under Backpacking.Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:At Hidden Lakes there is a junction with the Tatoosh Buttes Trail leading steeply to high open meadow county. Since there is no grazing at Hidden Lakes, this is a common destination for stock users. The string of lakes are interesting in that there is actually a pass between Middle and Big Hidden lakes with Big Hidden draining north to Canada and the rest of the lakes draining south via Lost River to the Methow. Lost River can be reached by taking a side path about 100 yards south of Diamond Creek. This steep 0.25 mile path reaches scenic meadows and sand bars along the river. The Hidden Lakes area was burned in a 2002 wildfire. Dead trees in old burn areas maybe unstable especially in windy conditions. Hikers can make loop trips by using the East Fork Pasayten Trail #451 over Dollarwatch Pass, or turning up McCall Gulch Trail #548 or the Boundary Trail #533 over Bunker Hill. East Fork Pasayten Trail #451, Hidden Lakes Trail #477, north of Big Hidden Lake, and Boundary Trail #533, from the Pasayten River to Quartz Lake, are impassable to stock with many down trees on these trails from a 2006 wildfire. The trail from Sheep Mountain area down Larch Creek Trail #502, has not burned over, and takes you back to the Billy Goat Trailhead.
Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:Specific Difficulties: Stock users planning to stay at Hidden Lakes should pack processed feed and/or grain as there is no grazing at the lakes. The area was burned in a 2002 wildfire. Dead trees maybe unstable especially in windy conditions. See additional information under Backpacking.
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: | Stock ramp & hitch rails at larger, lower stock parking area and hiker parking at upper, smaller parking area. |
| Toilets: | vault toilets at trailhead only |
Location
