Methow Valley Ranger District

Trail Maintenance Priority Area #2

Local and international visitors alike love national forest trails that wind through the rural Methow Valley and pass through the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth designated Wilderness areas. This priority area includes over 150 miles of the Pacific Crest and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trails. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails to enjoy, and views from towering alpine peaks to gentle river valleys. Right now, portions of the trail system are impassable to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and motorized users due to blowdown from past catastrophic wildfires and recurring windstorms. With the priority area focus, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is working to match trail maintenance needs with the escalating interest and usage on the ground. The Forest is engaging with partners and volunteers and is committed to improving visitor safety, restoring access to public lands and cultivating a culture of stewardship.

Download a map of the trail maintenance priority area (PDF)

Examples of Trail Maintenance Needs

• Remove hazard trees and logs over the trail
• Remove overgrown brush
• Repair and replace drainage structures
• Conduct general trail maintenance
• Complete trail reconstruction and reroutes
• Repair and install trail bridges, puncheon, and turnpikes

Our Partners

Partners supporting this priority area include:

• Washington Trails Association
• Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Pacific Northwest Trail Association
• Back Country Horseman of Washington
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
• Coulee Riders
• Methow Valley Trails Collaborative. The collaborative includes some of the groups listed above and:
  • Methow Trails
  • Methow Valley Backcountry Horsemen
  • Methow Snowmobile Association

Learn More & Get Involved!

To know more about trail maintenance efforts in this priority area, contact:

Clark Simpson, Trails Program Supervisor
Email: clark.simpson@usda.gov
Phone: (509) 996-4017