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 |
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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.
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 |
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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 |