Twisp Pass

Autumn colors make Twisp Pass a lovely hike in the fall. The first half-mile parallels the forest road, but then you enter the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. This 151,435-acre wilderness stretches from Lake Chelan’s northeastern shore across the Sawtooth Range to the Twisp River valley.

The 4.5-mile (one-way) trail follows alongside the Twisp River, undulating between forest and open slopes. At the confluence of the North and South Forks of the river, stay left to cross over a narrow bridge. The trail begins to climb along Lincoln Butte’s southern slope through blueberry and heather meadows to Twisp Pass at 6,064 feet. Enjoy views into North Cascades National Park to the west and of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness to the north and south.

Continuing on the trail takes you into the park; Dagger Lake is another mile. Or explore side trails from the pass – left leads to a small tarn in the shadow of Twisp Mountain and right meanders 2 miles to an old lookout site on Stiletto Peak.

To get to the trailhead from Twisp, drive west 24.6 miles on the Twisp River Road (which turns into FS Road 44 then FS Road 4440). Turn right at the Twisp Pass Trail sign to a parking lot at 0.1 mile.

Notes: NW Forest Pass required. See Green Trails Stehekin No. 82 map. For more info, contact the Okanogan National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District at (509) 996-4003. Dogs are not permitted beyond Twisp Pass.