Patterson Mountain in the Methow

May is an ideal month to hike Patterson Mountain, when its slopes are carpeted in a colorful sea of lupine, larkspur and balsamroot. Just outside Winthrop, the four-mile, kid-friendly hike offers views of the surrounding snowcapped Sawtooth Range, Mount Gardner and Robinson Mountain, as well as of sparkling Patterson Lake below.

Part of the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) network, the Patterson Mountain trail traverses primarily across Department of Natural Resources lands. Like many DNR lands, Patterson serves as a gateway to our federal lands, providing views into the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and helping create a corridor for habitat.

From downtown Winthrop drive south, cross the bridge and veer right onto Twin Lakes Road. At about 3 1/2 miles turn right onto Patterson Lake Road (the Sun Mountain turnoff). Continue 4 miles to the Patterson Lake boat launch and parking lot. A state Fish and Wildlife permit is required to park there but there is room for a couple of cars just past the lot on the left. (An additional parking lot is available a half mile farther north at an alternative trailhead.)

The Patterson Mountain trailhead is directly across from the boat launch. The trail begins by weaving through small groves of aspens across open grassy slopes. In less than a half-mile, you reach a junction. Turn right to start the loop; this southern route is less steep and more open than the northern route. (Straight at the junction will take you on the northern route, and left will lead you to the alternative trailhead near Patterson Lake dam.)

About a mile along the southern loop route is a lone Ponderosa pine. A little further is another junction, where you can turn right to amble along the ridge to the 3,500-foot summit. Enjoy panoramic views of the upper Methow Valley, Lookout Mountain and Chewuck to the east; Hoodoo, the Sawtooth Range and Moccasin Lake to the south; Mt. Gardner and Goat Peak to the west, and Winthrop to the north. After taking it all in, head back down the ridge and turn right to complete the loop. Total elevation gain is about 1,100 feet.

Trail notes: Green Trails Sun Mountain/Methow Valley No. 83S. For more info, contact the Department of Natural Resources Northeast Region (Colvillle), 509-684-7474, northeast [dot] region [at] dnr [dot] wa [dot] gov.