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Cedar Creek Trailhead
Trailhead gives access to Cedar Creek Trail #476 which enters Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness at 9.2 miles, goes over Abernathy Pass and connects to North Creek Trail #413 at 9.6 miles.
Because of its low elevation this trail is one of the first trails to open up in the spring. Hike a gentle forested sidehill climb through big fir and spruce and occasional stands of cedar trees. Reach the falls in 1.7 miles. The falls are below the trail so use caution as the area around the falls is quite precipitous and there are no fences or barriers. Cedar Creek pours from pool to pool, then drops 50 to 60 feet in a series of falls. The trail continues beyond the falls to Abernathy Pass, where it enters the Lake Chelan-Sawthooth Wilderness. Bicycles are not allowed beyond this point.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current conditions information |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | A recreation pass is required. (A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead). |
| Open Season: | May |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | spring/summer |
| Busiest Season: | spring/summer |
| Restrictions: | Certified weed-free hay or certified weed-free hay pellets are required on National Forest lands (processed grains are okay). Wilderness regulations apply in wilderness areas. |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet (1) |
| Passes: | A Recreation Passes is required. (A $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 for 18 miles to Forest Service Road 5310-200, on left side of the road, between mileposts 176 and 175 (about 0.5 miles east of the turn off for Klipchuck Campground). Parking is near a gravel pit at the end of the road. This trail begins near the southeast end of the gravel pit (near the entrance).
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers will find this trail very challenging. The area around the falls is quite precipitous and there are no fences or barriers. Mountain bikers should use caution, as there are some steep sidehills and blind corners on this trail. Reduce speed accordingly when approaching thes areas.
Bicycles are not allowed beyond the wilderness boundary.
General Info:
Safety InformationThe falls are below the trail so use caution as the area around the falls is quite precipitous and there are no fences or barriers.
Day Hiking
Because of its low elevation this is one of the first trails to open up in the spring.
Backpacking
There are good campsites for both hikers and stock users where the trail enters a few meadows about 2 miles above the falls.
Horse Riding
There are good campsites for both hikers and stock users where the trail enters a few meadows about 2 miles above the falls.
Viewing Scenery
Hike 1.7 miles to Cedar Falls waterfall below the trail. Cedar Creek pours from pool to pool, then drops 50 to 60 feet in a series of falls.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Fee charged for some activities: | self-pay stations available for required recreation pass |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: | vault toilets |