11 minute read
A walk in the woods
The mountains call us, just as they called John Muir and other early adventurers, and we must go — not because the mountains demand it of us (they do) but because we feel like the truest and happiest versions of ourselves when we are in them. “Going to the mountains,” said Muir,
BY ASHLEY LODATO
The Methow Valley is in proximity to some of the most beautiful hikes on the planet. The mountains call, you answer, and the next thing you know your boots are pounding out that familiar tempo on a dusty trail, or across a talus slope, or along a needle-strewn path.
In the Methow Valley, you can find a wide variety of outdoor gear at Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies in Mazama, and Winthrop Mountain Sports, Cascades Outdoor Store and The Outdoorsman in Winthrop. Valley Harware Do It Center in Twisp and Ace Hardware in Winthrop also stock some camping gear.
The lower trails and lakes in the North Cascades are often snow-free by June, but the snow in the higher country doesn’t melt until July most years. Plan your trip accordingly, or you’ll find yourself undertaking some pretty rugged travel on trails that may be difficult to locate. Make sure you have proper permits, passes, parking, and pandemic information for your desired destination as well (see page 30). If you crave a more solitary experience, avoid these hikes on weekends.
■ CROWD CONTROL
With increased use of trails and recreation sites, getting away from it all grows increasingly difficult. Try scheduling your trip for midweek, if possible. And if you get to a trailhead and the parking lot is full, go elsewhere.
■ HUMAN WASTE
Few things kill the buzz of a trip into the backcountry faster than the sight of someone else’s unburied human waste or toilet tissue. It’s irresponsible to dispose of human waste improperly, especially as recreational use of popular areas increases, as it has been steadily doing for decades.
At backcountry campsites, you may find a modern, clean, regularly maintained outhouse, a ramshackle privy, or a “wet willy,” which is basically a box-like platform with a seat over a hole. In sites equipped with facilities — no matter how rustic — you need to use the established hole. Stand up if you must.
If you don’t find an established toilet, you’ll need to dig a cat hole. Follow “Leave No Trace” regulations: 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter (using the U-Dig-It or other sturdy trowel you had the foresight to pack, because it’s virtually impossible to get down 6-8 inches using only a sharp stick or the heel of your boot).
A FEW GOOD CHOICES
• Slate Peak: The ¼ -mile hike to Slate Peak gets you up to 7,400 feet elevation and provides a glimpse into the rich mining history of the area around the turn of the 20th century. Drive to the end of the Harts Pass road (which can often be quite rough) and hike from the gate. • Falls Creek: Another short hike to a stunning view is the ¼-mile walk to Falls Creek Falls, out the West Chewuch Road. Park at Falls Creek Trailhead. Very kid-friendly. Early season. • Twisp Ponds: A 1-mile loop winds through restored riparian areas, native vegetation, interpretive signage, and several significant public art pieces. Park at the Twisp Ponds site just outside Twisp on Twisp River Road. Very kid-friendly. Early season. • Rainy Lake: Hiking doesn’t get any easier than the 1-mile walk on a paved, level path with interpretive signs and resting benches, ending at a sparkling alpine lake. Park at the Rainy Pass Trailhead. Very kid-friendly. If the parking lot is full — and it often will be on weekends — go elsewhere.
• Tawlks-Foster Suspension
Bridge: The flat 1-mile trail to the Suspension Bridge brings you to a picnic shelter and some interpretive signs by the river. Park at the
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Suspension Bridge Trailhead along Goat Creek Road in Mazama. Very kid-friendly. • Lone Fir Loop: Kids love the 2-mile loop around Early Winters Creek at Lone Fir Campground. With its shady glades and fun bridges, the trail is interesting and surprising. Park at Lone Fir Campground. Very kid-friendly. Early season.
• Meadowlark Natural Area:
Situated on a bench overlooking Winthrop, the Meadowlark Natural Area features 2.5 miles of trail through shrub-steppe terrain and provides critical mule deer winter range as well as important habitat for songbirds, small mammals, and raptors. Dogs on leash only. Very kid-friendly. Early season. • Patterson Mountain: The 3-mile loop around Patterson Mountain is one of the first snow-free hikes in the valley and is lush with wildflowers in the late spring. Park at the state boat access on Patterson Lake Road. An artistic surprise awaits you on top. Early season. • Lake Ann: Lake Ann is just 1.9 miles from the parking area, but it gets you into what feels like the heart of the mountains — a sparkling lake in a granite cirque. Park at the Rainy Pass Trailhead. Very kid-friendly. If the parking lot is full — and it often will be on weekends — go elsewhere. • Lookout Mountain: Lookout Mountain in Twisp loses its snow early, making it a favorite spring hike. Panoramic views and a historic wildfire lookout make this 2-mile hike a worthwhile one. From Twisp River Road, turn left on Rd 1605 and take an immediate right and connect with Forest Service Rd 4400-200 to the parking area at the end. Early season. • Cutthroat Lake: Another alpine lake worth visiting is Cutthroat Lake, although it is marshier than Blue Lake or Lake Ann. The 2-mile trail into the lake is easy; moms have even been seen pushing baby joggers along it. Park at the Cutthroat Lake Trailhead. Very kid-friendly. Early season. • Blue Lake: The 2.2-mile hike into Blue Lake has some elevation gain but rewards the hiker with the opportunity to dip in its turquoise waters. Park at the Blue Lake Trailhead. If the parking lot is full — and it often will be on weekends — go elsewhere. • Goat Peak: Goat Peak is popular for its panoramic views of the North Cascades but also for its fire tower on the summit. The 2.5-mile hike is strenuous and is dry in the late summer. From Goat Creek Road, take Forest Rd #52, then #5225, and then to the end of #5225-200 to the parking area. • Maple Pass: The 7-mile Maple Pass loop is probably the most popular day hike in the area, and for good reason. The hike passes through old growth forests and subalpine hillsides before emerging into alpine meadows and a 360-degree view of the North Cascades from the summit ridge. Park at the Rainy Pass Trailhead. The Maple Pass hike has been severely over-crowded in recent summers, and is on most summer days the antithesis of a solitary backcountry experience. If you get to the Rainy Pass Trailhead and it’s full, go elsewhere; you don’t want to be on this hike with that many people. • Easy Pass: The 3.5-mile hike up Easy Pass is anything but, as you climb up 3,000 feet fairly relentlessly. Emerge into the talus above treeline and the views are breathtaking, as the trail crisscrosses an avalanche fan under the soaring peaks of Ragged Ridge before entering the larch-covered lush Easy Pass saddle. Park at the Easy Pass Trailhead.
• Tiffany Lake: The 1-mile trail into Tiffany Lake brings you to a level campsite with swimming and exploration opportunities, with wildflower-carpeted Tiffany Mountain looming above. From the campsite you can travel more lightly on side trips to the saddle above the lake or to Tiffany’s summit. Park at the Tiffany Lake Trailhead. Directions are complicated; get a Forest Service map. Very kid-friendly. Early season. • Windy Pass: The 3.5-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to Windy Pass lacks significant elevation gain or loss, so you can travel through meadows and larch stands at a brisk clip before reaching your camping destination at the pass. Drive the Harts Pass Road almost to the end, parking in the small area that gives access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Very kid-friendly. • Black Lake: Hiking into Black Lake with a backpack is appealing due to its limited elevation gain and loss. In August, the 4.5-mile trail is lined with raspberries and blueberries as well. There are campsites on both ends of the lake. From the West Chewuch Road, take Rd #51, the #5160-100 to the road end and trail #500. Early season. • Stehekin: Huh? Yes, that’s right, you can hike from the Methow Valley to this tiny boat-and-planeaccess-only community at the end of Lake Chelan. The hike starts at Bridge Creek and drops you gradually into the confluence with the Stehekin River 18 miles later. From there you can take a National Park Service shuttle into Stehekin and either boat out to Chelan the next day if you’ve arranged a pickup, or turn around and hike back to your car at Bridge Creek via McAlester Pass. Two reservable campsites along the PCT provide the opportunity to break the 18-miles up into two days. Park at the Bridge Creek Trailhead.
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Methow Valley News
Developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers as a checklist for backcountry emergency preparedness, the Ten Essentials were 10 individual items that few experienced wilderness travelers would consider leaving out of their backpacks. The jury is still out on the Ten Essentials regarding day hikes, especially those on familiar or well-marked trails in good weather. While most hikers agree that sunscreen is worth the weight, those trotting around Maple Pass in 3 hours would probably consider it overkill to carry a space blanket and a water filter (however, given the number of people populating that loop, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon a fellow hiker in need at some point).
When packing, you’ll need to make the decision for yourself, but consider the basic premise behind the Ten Essentials: You probably won’t use most of this stuff, but as soon as you need it, you’ll be glad you brought it. • Navigation: Learn how to read a topographic map before you hit the trail. Seriously. Ditto for your compass. Plus, a lot of compasses have mirrors in the lids, which you can use to admire your grubby face. • Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat — wear them every day. • Insulation: Bring more warm clothes than you think you’ll need; it’s colder in the mountains. Even on a sunny day hike it’s often nice to have a hat and puffy jacket for lunch on the summit. • Illumination: Even in the summer with 16 hours of daylight, you never know when you might have to hike out in the dark. Pack a headlamp or flashlight and make sure your batteries are new. • First aid kit: Outdoor stores sell well-stocked commercial kits, or visit REI’s website for an inventory list that will guide you through assembling your own. • Firestarter and matches: If for some reason you are spiraling toward hypothermia, and there are no other options for getting warm, you’ll have to light a fire. This should only be a last resort if there are no established fire rings. Heed all fire bans! • Repair kit and tools: Sometimes the ability to fix your stove or your pack makes the difference between comfort and misery.
• Water and purification system:
All water pulled from streams, rivers, and lakes should be treated.
• Extra food: Bring something high calorie, non-perishable and unappealing, like stale energy bars in an unpopular flavor. You’ll have them if you need them, but you won’t be tempted to break them out for dessert one night. • Emergency shelter: If all goes well and you’re lucky, you won’t need your rain gear or space blanket, but better safe than sorry.
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