Methow Trails Summer 2018

4 | Methow Trails Patterson Mountain This 4-mile roundtrip hike offers great views of the surrounding mountains and sparkling Patterson Lake below, with stunning wildflowers in spring and early summer. The trail begins across from the Patterson Lake boat launch, 7 miles outside of Winthrop towards Sun Mountain Lodge. Take Twin Lakes Road from Winthrop for 3.5 miles and turn right on Patterson Lake Road. Continue to the lake and park at the boat launch on the left. Discover Pass is required in most areas. Sun Mountain Trails Access miles and miles of easy-to- moderate scenic hiking trails at either the Chickadee Trailhead or up at Sun Mountain Lodge. Popular trails include the Beaver Pond trail for birds and wildlife and the View Ridge trail for These popular hikes close to Winthrop are not to be missed. Each hike has stunning scenery, so don’t forget your camera. Maps and guidebooks can be obtained from local Methow Valley businesses as well as the US Forest Service Visitor Center in Winthrop. Methow Trails can also provide free summer visitor maps and current trail conditions. hiking and trail running stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Take Twin Lakes Road from Winthrop for 3.5 miles and turn right on Patterson Lake Road. Drive 4 miles to the Chickadee Trailhead or 5.5 miles to Sun Mountain Lodge. Pipestone Canyon A 5-mile roundtrip in a gorgeous sandstone, rock-wall canyon located 7 miles southeast of Winthrop, traversing a very popular birding area, this hike is best done in the spring and fall, as rattlesnakes are common in the summer. From Winthrop, take Twisp-Winthrop East County Road 2 miles and turn left onto Bear Creek Road. After 2.3 miles, turn right on Lester Road, staying right to go onto Campbell Lake Road. Continue 1.3 miles to the Pipestone gate. Discover Pass required. Big Valley A beautiful, flat, forested walk following the Methow River with options to access the river’s rocky beaches in a number of locations. This is a 6-mile (or shorter) out- and-back hike with many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Turn left (south) on Dripping Spring Road 6 miles west of Winthrop on Highway 20. Lookout Mountain This is a nice 3-mile roundtrip hike to a vacant fire lookout. The 360-degree views from the lookout are fantastic, and the trailhead is located just outside of Twisp. Drive west .25 mile on the Twisp River Road, turn left on May Street and take an immediate right on Lookout Mountain Road (FS Road 4345-200); continue 8 miles to the road end and trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required.