The trail starts steep then gently ascends the river bottom into the Pasayten Wilderness. The beginning 12 miles burned in 2003 wildfire, with little shade available before Andrews Pass. Many snags along the trail could come down in windy weather in the burn area. The 16 mile trail ends in the rolling upland meadow country of the Spanish Camp area at junction with Boundary trail #533. The Remmel-Spanish Camp area is very popular with horse users as there is plenty of grazing. From Spanish camp there are miles of open meadow country to wander in. There are many good camp sites in the large area between Bald and Amphitheater Mountains to establish a base camp. Water is available along trail. Trail is cleared of down trees annually after snow melt out.
From Winthrop, Washington drive 6 miles north on paved West Chewuch Road (County Road number 1213) to stop sign. Go straight from stop sign (road turns into paved forest road number 51) and drive 15 miles to the end of the paved road then turn right for parking at the Andrews Creek Trailhead (some parking also on the left).
Highlights: There are few outstanding views until one reaches Andrews Pass and the Spanish Camp area. From Spanish Camp there are miles of open country to wander in. The Remmel-Spanish Camp area is very popular with horse users as there is plenty of grazing. There are many good camp sites in the large area between Bald and Amphitheater Mountains to established a base camp for day hikers. Because this is such a popular area, take care to locate your camp out of sight of the trail, away from the lakes and Forest Service cabin where it will cause minimum impact on other visitors and to the land.
The Remmel-Spanish Camp area is very popular with horse users as there is plenty of grazing. Re-vegetation work is taking place around the Upper Cathedral Lake area. The site is posted and a hitch rail has been built back away from the lake for day riders to tie stock. Please allow the posted area to rest and recover. To protect sensitive habitats graze on upper drier slopes not wet meadows and stream sides.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:
There are many beautiful views of meadows, alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks.
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:
Beautiful meadow wildflowers are abundant.
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:
Mountain goats are frequently seen around Catherdral Peak area.