Chewuch Trail #510


This is a scenic valley trail within Pasayten Wilderness that follows the river grade mostly in lodgepole pine. The last 2 miles climb into subalpine and meadow areas. This was a major stock route into the Remmel-Cathedral area. This trail is used to access the popular Four Point Lake and Tungsten Mine areas. From this trail one can also reach the Horseshoe Basin area via Basin Creek Trail #360 or the Cathedral Driveway to the Long Swamp Road. Many side trips are possible from the Remmel-Cathedral areas. The beginning 5 miles of this trail burned over in a 2001 wildfire. Many snags along the trail could come down in windy weather. The Remmel and Cathedral lakes area has long been popular with horseback travelers. But the popularity and heavy use has been particularly hard on the area. The same popular camps are used over and over, resulting in large trampled areas, damaged trees, sanitation problems, and continuing enlargement of camps. Lakeside camps have been particularly damaged. Whenever you can, try to avoid already heavily used areas and find more secluded, off-trail camps. Avoid camping at the lakes; when riding to the lakes try to tie up before getting there and walk for the last 1/2 mile. This is important at Upper Cathedral Lake which is delicate and already seriously damaged from heavy use in the past. This popular trail is maintained annually after the winter snow melts out.

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 is required.  (A $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.
Open Season: June
Best Season: August
Busiest Season: August
Restrictions: Wilderness regulations apply. Certified weed-free hay is required on national forest lands (processed grains are okay).
Closest Towns: Winthrop, WA
Water: Chewuch River
Restroom: at trailhead only
Passes: A valid Recreation Pass required at Thirty Mile Trailhead.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Methow Valley Ranger District.

General Information

Directions:

From Winthrop, drive north on Okanogan County Road 1213 (West Chewuch Road) until it joins Forest Service Road 51. Then drive for 23 miles to the Thirtymile Trailhead. (About 29 miles total).


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Lake fishing at Four Point Lake, Remmel Lake, Cornwell Lake, and Cathedral Lakes.

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking: See additional information under Horse Riding.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking: See additional information under Horse Riding.

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:

This is a major stock route into the Remmel-Cathedral area. The trail is also used to access the popular Four Point Lake and Tungsten Mine areas. From this trail one can also reach the Horseshoe Basin area via Basin Creek Trail 360 or the Cathedral Driveway to the Long Swamp Road. Many side trips are possible from the Remmel-Cathedral areas. Specific Difficulties: Portions of the trail were burned by wildfires in 2001 and 2003. Dead trees may be unstable especially in windy weather. The Remmel-Cathedral area has long been popular with horseback travelers. There is plenty of room, good horse feed, and ample water. But the popularity and heavy use has been particularly hard on the area. Lake-side camps have been particularly damaged. Avoid camping at the lakes; when riding to the lakes, tie up at least 200 feet from the lakes. This is particularly important at Upper Cathedral Lake, which is delicate and already seriously damaged from heavy use in the past. Stay on the trail through the wet meadows and hummock areas below the Amphitheatre. Graze on drier upper slopes.

Amenities

Interpretive Site: information bulletin board
Picnic tables: day use picnic tables
Fee charged for some activities: self-pay stations available to purchase recreation pass
Parking: Stock ramp & hitch rails at parking area.
Toilets: at trailhead only