Winthrop, Washington

The Patterson Mountain loop is the perfect way for a beginner to intermediate hiker to get acquainted with the arid eastern slope of the North Cascades. This 3.7-mile lollipop with about 1100 feet of elevation gain showcases the open country of the high desert, blanketed with wildflowers in the s...

The Methow Valley in north-central Washington is magical for myriad reasons—the dry powder and bluebird days of winter, the hot high-desert days of summer, stunning views of the North Cascades Mountains to the west; the list goes on and on.  Adding to its mystique is the little-known Pipestone Ca...

The pin above is a small gravel parking lot which is clearly marked as "Trail Head" from the road. Once you park you are within eye shot of an information station and the trail is marked as "Suspension Bridge Access." Walk past this sign and continue on the well-groomed trail eastward for just sh...

Many cross country ski trails begin at the Mazama trailhead, located in the town of Mazama, just off of Highway 20. This area offers the perfect jumping off ground for a day on the trails.   Follow the interior short and flat Inn Run Loop trail to get your legs warmed up. For a longer route, cho...

The trail to West Oval Lake begins at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, outside of Twisp, Washington. Follow the Eagle Creek trail for 1.9 miles until the trail splits. Take the left fork for Oval Creek and Oval Lakes. The trail continues winding through thick forest for approximately 4 more miles befor...

With fall coming quickly, that means larch fever. Views of the North Cascades, Methow Valley, and fall colors all at 7000 feet, doing the short hike of just over 2 miles up to the Goat Peak Lookout will not disappoint.The hike begins in a beautiful forest you'd expect too see at 5500 feet. The al...

Abernathy Peak is one of the shortest and easiest peak on the Bulger List, as it's just a walk-up covering  around 9 miles and 5100 feet in gain. The trail to starts at the Twisp River Trail, but a few paces after the trailhead, the trail splits and you head left for Scatter Lake. The next 3.5 mi...

Looking for a distinctive high-country hike just east of the pass? Cutthroat Pass is a hearty day hike perfect for gaining elevation and views with every step. It's even more dynamic as a point-to-point, exiting via the Pacific Crest Trail if you have two vehicles. Also great for a one-night back...

Blue Lake is a fantastic alpine lake along a moderate trail in the sawtooth North Cascades, featuring views of some of the most impressive peaks in the range. A 4.5-mile out-and-back gaining about 1,100 feet, the trail to Blue Lake Trail features summer wildflowers, autumn Larch and jagged snow-c...

From the Blue Lake Trailhead, hike approximately 1.5 miles to an obvious clearing with subsidiary trails that depart uphill and right at a stream crossing. These trails will eventually lead up granite slabs and converge into a main trail. Follow the cairns or aim generally for the southern-most s...

Remmel Mountain (8685 ft), the former site of a fire lookout, is a massive pile of granite and a wonderful destination for panoramic views of the rugged Pasayten Wilderness. The mountain itself can be accessed from several trailheads and although there are no short routes to the base of the moun...

Take Hwy 20 to Rainy Pass, and park at the trailhead on the east side of the highway. Begin on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), heading towards Cutthroat Pass. The trail winds it's way towards the pass at a gentle grade over 5 miles. As the trail ascends, you'll leave the forest behind as you ente...

From Rainy Pass, take the trail to Ann Lake (pictured with island and wildflowers). About 1 mile into hike, you'll reach a fork. Take the right trail to Heather Pass. From Heather Pass, take boot trail through talus field to Lewis Lake (pictured with green water and drift wood in foreground). Onc...

Starting at the Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trailhead, jump onto the trail that will take you counter-clockwise along the loop. After about 1.25 miles, you will come to a split in the trail, take the right path and continue for just under a mile until you reach Heather Pass. Off to the right there ar...

Starting at Rainy Pass trailhead, you'll proceed to skirt high above Lake Ann on a marvelously maintained trail. Without realizing you're about to arrive at a pass, you'll come to Heather Pass, where you'll need to take a right. Continuing straight is also a popular hike, especially during peak l...

Note to any hikers taking on this trail, this is a non-repeating trail meaning it goes in a big loop. The trailhead has 2 trail points of entrance. To the right (the pathway that is not paved) is the counter-clockwise route, a little less steep and more scenic at the start. To the left, the trail...