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Larch Creek/Billy Goat Pass Trail #502
This is a heavily traveled trail into a popular horse-use area. Heavily burned in 2017 Diamond Creek Fire. Highpoint is the McCall-Timberwolf Divide at 7,640 feet. From the trailhead four passes must be crossed to reach Sheep Mountain area. This trail has any good views of the Pasayten from different angles. North of Larch Pass there are many opportunities for scenic ridge-walking. Fishermen can visit Corral Lake, Crow Lake, Quartz Lake, Sheep Lake, and Ramon Lake. Beyond Larch Pass the country is mostly open rolling meadows and ridges above timberline, a delight for the horse-rider as well as the backpacker. Many side trips are possible to lakes, high basins, or scramble routes up easy peaks. Lakeshores are very fragile areas and deserve special care from the wilderness user. Please use camps well away from the lake shore.
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: | A Recreation Pass required. $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead. |
| Permit Info: | Free, self issue Wilderness permits are required for the Pasayten Wilderness. They are available at trailheads, headquarters, and the district office. 36 CFR 261.57 |
| Open Season: | Mid July |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | August |
| Busiest Season: | August-September |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. No motorized or mechanized vehicles. Stock are not permitted to graze or stand tied within 200 feet of the lakeshore. Certified weed free hay is required on National forestlands (processed grains are okay). |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | At trailhead only |
| Passes: | A Recreation Pass 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 Okanogan County Road 1213 (West Chewuch Road) for 9 miles. Turn left on to the Forest Service Road 5130 follow the signs for 17 miles to the Billy Goat Trailhead. Horse riders can take a steep trail near the hitch rails or ride the road to the upper hiker trailhead. Travel the Hidden Lakes Trail 477 for 4 miles to Drake Creek; Larch Creek trails branches to the right at this point.
Activities
Day Hiking
See additional information under Backpacking.Backpacking
Good views of the Pasayten from different angles. North of Larch Pass there are many opportunities for scenic ridge walking. Beyond Larch Pass the trail follows mostly open rolling meadows and ridges above timberline. Many side trips are possible to lakes, high basins, or scramble routes up easy peaks. Specific Difficulties: Lakeshores are very fragile areas and deserve special care from the wilderness user. Please use camps well away from the lakeshore.
Horse Riding
See additional information under Backpacking.Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | interpretive information |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | for day use only at trailhead |
| 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 |