Methow Valley Ranger District

With its big valleys, open wildspaces, high ridges and beautiful rivers, the Methow Valley Ranger District's 1.3 million acres extends from near the town of Twisp Washington to the crest of the Cascade Mountains in the Pasayten Wilderness. Alpine lakes are a hideaway for anglers while diverse wilderness awaits explorers of all types. There are bassalt formations for rock climbers and winter sports opportunities abound.

The highest peak is Jack Mountain at 9,066 feet, with many other peaks above 7000 feet. The Methow Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails with a hiking season that averages from June through October. Some trails are open to motorcycles and mountain bikes, however, no mechanized vehicles are permitted within Pasayten or Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness Areas.

During summer months, The North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 provides a direct link to the west side of Washington State, enticing both motorized and non motorized travelers to make the scenic trip. An Overlook at Washington Pass gives a spectacular view of massive Liberty Bell Mountain (7790 elevation) and Early Winters Spires. The highway is closed during the winter months.

Methow Valley Ranger District Recreation / Roads Report

Prescribed Fires Information

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Current Methow Valley Recreation / Roads Conditions
Operational Hours:	Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with a lunch closure from 12:30-1:30
Closest Towns:	Winthrop, WA
Passes:	Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.

General Information

Directions:

24 West Chewuch Road
Winthrop, WA 98862

Phone:
509-996-4000 Voice
509-996-0000 TTY
509-996-2208 Fax

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Methow Valley Ranger District

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Methow Valley Ranger District

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Methow Valley Ranger District

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Methow Valley Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Methow Valley Ranger District

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Methow Valley Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Methow Valley Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Methow Valley Ranger District

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Methow Valley Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Methow Valley Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Methow Valley Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Methow Valley Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Methow Valley Ranger District

Target Shooting

The forest is generally open to this activity. We do not have a recommended areas for shooting. However regulations do address areas where the activity is specifically prohibited (such as campgrounds, administrative sites, rental cabins/ lodges, etc.). See below. Additionally, hanging targets on trees is prohibited because it causes resource (timber) damage. It is best to find an earth slope as a back stop to any shooting activity. Other municipal and county ordinances may apply. Most municipalities prohibit shooting within 1 mile of the city limits.

36 C.F.R. § 261.10 --

Prohibited:

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or

(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

(3) Into or within any cave.