West Fork Methow Trail #480
Trail leaves the road about 1 mile west of the River Bend Campground. The trail follows the Methow River through an old 2003 burn area providing an interesting opportunity to see natural regeneration after a fire with more wild flowers, brush and wildlife. Many snags along the trail could come down in windy weather. The trail passes through areas with avalanche slide chutes, brush and meadows for 8 miles to meet the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail serves as an alternate route to access the Pacific Crest Trail.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | For current road, trail or campground conditions go to: Trail Conditions � http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices |
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Area Amenities: | Toilets, Parking |
Fees: | NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required. $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead. |
Open Season: | Late June |
Best Season: | July-August |
Restrictions: | No motorized vehicles. Certified weed-free hay or certified weed-free hay pellets are required on National Forest lands (processed grains are okay). Check fishing regulations for what areas are open. |
Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
Water: | No drinking water |
Restroom: | At trailhead only |
Passes: | NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful 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, 24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 509-996-4003 |
General Information
Directions:From Winthrop drive 15 miles west on Highway 20 to Lost River Road (county road 9140), drive 7.5 miles on Lost River Road to where paved road turns into gravel forest road . Turn right, then left at Mazama onto the Hart's Pass Road 5400. Drive 2.5 miles following the Methow River (passing Ballard Campground and River Bend Campground) and continue past to the end of the road. Drive the rough road about 0.2 miles past River Bend Campground and park at Rattlesnake Trailhead.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:This is a scenic river bottom hike that serves as an alternative route to access the Pacific Crest Trail 2000.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:This is a scenic river bottom hike that serves as an alternative route to access the Pacific Crest Trail 2000.
Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:There are stock facilities at the trailhead. There good horse campsites with feed and water, located on the Pacific Crest Trail at Horse Heaven Camp, about 2 miles southwest of this trails end.
Amenities
Parking: | stock hitch-rails |
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Toilets: | vault toilets at trailhead only |