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Tungsten Trail #534
Trail is mostly on sidehill and along creek bottom in second growth lodgepole pine forest. Upper portion of trail has some meadow areas. There are nice views of the surrounding peaks. Camps with horsefeed are available 1.0 mile north of the mine near Apex Pass. The tungsten mineral deposit was discovered by the international Boundary Survey crew in 1898 and claims were located in 1906-08. The mine was most active in 1915-18 and has changed hands and opened and closed several times since then. The last real activity was in the 1950's. Today, several buildings, the old 10-ton mil with a Humphrey spiral and miscellaneous mining debris are all that remain. Due to its popularity and past use, the area around the mine has experienced a lot of impacts. Please do your part by not adding to them. Respect the property of claim owners and respect the land by leaving no trace of your stay.
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. ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead). |
| Open Season: | June |
| Best Season: | August-September |
| Busiest Season: | August-September |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness use restrictions apply. Certified weed-free hay required on national forest land (processed grain okay). |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, Washington |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions: Northern Terminus: Boundary Trail #533, near Tungsten Mine. Southern Ternimus: Chewuch Trail #510, near confluence of Chewuch River and Horseshoe Creek.Activities
Day Hiking
See additional information under Backpacking.Backpacking
The International Boundary Survey crew discovered the tungsten mineral deposit in 1898, and claims were located in 1906-08. The mine was most active in 1915-18 and has changed hands and opened and closed several times since then. The last real activity was in the 1950's. Today, several buildings, the old 10-ton mill with a Humphrey Spiral, and miscellaneous mining debris are all that remain. There are nice views of the surrounding area. Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Due to its popularity and past use the area around the mine has experienced a lot of impacts. Please do your part by not adding to them. Please pack out all garbage, extra food and supplies, do not leave things at the mine.Horse Riding
Camps with horse feed are available 1 mile north of the mine near Apex Pass. See additional information under Backpacking.Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Informative interpretive signs |
|---|---|
| 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 parking area. |
| Toilets: | at trailhead only |