2017 Hiking Guide

Trails Advocacy Governmental funds for trail maintenance and construction are in a state of continuous decline. As a result, much of the burden of trail care has transitioned to volunteer organizations who work in cooperation with the various regulating agencies. They can all use help, whether in terms of financial donations or labor. The principle groups working to advocate for hikers/horsemen and maintain trails in Okanogan Country include -- Okanogan Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington ovcbchw.com Washington Trails Association wta.org Methow Trails methowtrails.org The Mountaineers mountaineers.org Okanogan County Tourism Council 888.431.3080 || Fax 509.826.7425 info@okanogancountry.com About the Author Geoff Childs first came to Okanogan Country in 1976 on his way from California to Maine (apparently he wasn’t all that good with map and compass). His goal was to climb Liberty Bell before heading home but he wound up staying and since then has spent part of virtually every year climbing, skiing, and traveling in the local mountains. His wife, Diane, is co-owner of Winthrop Mountain Sports. Hikes at a Glance ...................................5 Getting Started ........................................7 North Okanogan Hikes Similkameen River Trail.....................8 Sinlahekin/Blue Lake........................10 Whistler Canyon Trail Head............12 Heart of the Okanogan Trails Carter Mountain.................................14 Island Park Trail..................................16 Salmon Meadows..............................18 Tiffany Mountain...............................20 Columbia River Trails Alta Lake State Park........................22 Bridgeport State Park.....................24 Candy Point Trail..............................26 Methow Valley Trails Goat Peak Lookout..........................28 Lookout Mountain Trail...................30 Patterson Mountain.........................32 Pipestone Canyon......34 Rainy Lake......36 Twisp Ponds Discovery Walk........38 Licenses and Passes ..........................40 Accommodations ................................42 Table of Contents