War Creek Trail #408


A historic route that follows War Creek within Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness to a high pass that has wonderful views of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains range.  Most of the trail was burned over in the 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire, and the last 0.5 mile is steep. (At 2 miles in, the trail branches off to the unmaintained South Fork War Creek Trail, #409).

War Creek Trail leads into the Lake Chelan Recreation Area, managed by North Cascade National Park. A North Cascades National Park backcounty permit is required to camp in the recreation area.

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
Permit Info: Wilderness permit not required.  Note: Permit required year round for all overnight stays in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park Service Complex (North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas).
Open Season: Late June
Best Season: summer
Busiest Season: summer
Restrictions: Wilderness regulations apply
Closest Towns: Twisp, WA
Water: No potable water
Restroom: At trailhead
Passes: A Recreation Pass is required. ($5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at Twisp River Horse Camp or Gilbert trailhead). 
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Methow Valley Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From Twisp, drive west on Twisp River Road (county road #9114), in about 10 miles turn left onto Buttermilk Creek Road (county road 1090) which crosses a bridge across Twisp River, follow the road to the right West Buttermilk Creek Road onto road that becomes Forest Service Road #4420. Drive about 4 miles to junction with  Forest Service Road #4430, continue straight on #4430 and turn left onto War Creek Trailhead Road #4430-100 road and travel about 1.5 miles to the trailhead.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

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

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking: The trail has a wonderful view of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Mountain range from the pass.

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding: 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 to purchase recreation pass at Twisp River Horse Camp or Gilbert Trailhead
Parking: parking with hitchrails
Toilets: at trailhead only