Trails in the Methow Valley

Washington Pass Overlook potholes

Temporary Trailhead Closures

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest announces temporary trailhead closures on the Methow Valley Ranger District near Washington and Rainy Passes along State Route 20 between mileposts 157 and 162. Select trailhead parking areas and restroom facilities will be fully closed to facilitate parking lot and entry road repairs to potholes, pavement replacement and repainting of parking lot stripes. The infrastructure repairs have been planned and funded through the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act.

Hikers planning either day or overnight trips from the following trailheads should be aware of these upcoming trailhead closures, alternative parking in the vicinity of these trailheads is limited or nonexistent, and restrooms will also be closed during construction.

August 18, 2025- September 7, 2025:

• Washington Pass Overlook

• Bridge Creek Trailhead


September 8, 2025- September 25, 2025:

• Rainy Pass Picnic Area (Heather & Maple Pass Trail)

• Rainy Pass North– Pacific Crest Trail


All vehicles must be removed from these trailheads by the dates indicated or risk being towed.

MORE INFO

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The Methow Valley is a beautiful area with almost limitless opportunities for different recreational activities. We hope the information below will help you be a responsible and informed trail user.

The Methow Conservancy is, in general, not a trails manager, although we do own some land with trails (Sunny M Ranch, Mill Hill) and we steward several properties with trails that are open to the public (Meadowlark Natural Area, Homestream Park). The purpose of this page is to provide links to organizations and agencies that are expert trail managers.

WDFW

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

* Passes

Challenges

Land managers have had staffing reductions and budget cuts, which will affect their ability to maintain recreation sites, provide an educational presence, and maintain trails. They have also experienced reductions to their summer workforce and/or funding interruptions.

How can volunteers help?

Volunteers can help to maintain sites to a higher standard for visitors (trash pickups, duff removal from RV/tent pads, cleaning and re-stocking toilet paper between outhouse servicing, etc.). Volunteers can also provide an important “eyes on the ground” to help report resource issues or developing problems before they cause sustained damage.

Volunteer opportunities

• Serve as “eyes on the ground” to report conditions that need attention at trailheads, campgrounds and on trails. Please use the forms found HERE to report conditions, work needs, or work performed. Encourage others to report conditions via this method – phone calls to the district are unlikely to be returned and are harder to track, this method is intended to provide a streamlined communication process. For dispersed sites, be as specific as possible about location.
• Help provide basic education and information to visitors at high use sites. Sign up to serve as a trailhead ambassador at popular trailheads during the summer and fall. Duties include greeting visitors and providing 'recreate responsibly' information. Training dates: to be scheduled in early June Contact person: Amber Deming (amber.deming@usda.gov)/Allen Jircik (allenj@trailscollaborative.org)
• Sign up to adopt a trailhead or campground. Check conditions, restock toilet paper, pick up trash, report significant maintenance needs.
Hunter and hiker education during WA State High Hunt – Help to staff the historic cabin at Billygoat Trailhead, assist with cabin maintenance and hunter outreach. Dates September 15th-25th (high hunt); Contact person: Amber Deming (amber.deming@usda.gov)
Trail

Inspiring people to care for the land of the Methow Valley since 1996.

Join Team Methow Conservancy and support conservation work in the Methow Valley!