The MVSTA trails system in the Methow Valley, coupled with the endless network of trails on public land higher up the North Cascades, offers a wide range of scenic hiking trips. Ranging from short paved (wheelchair accessible) routes to half-day, full day and multi-day strenuous back-packing excursions, there is something for every season, ability, interest and timeframe. MVSTA trails are generally well marked and snow-free from early May to November. At higher elevations, trails may only be accessible to hikers from July through early October.
Classic Hiking Experiences in the Methow Valley
Sun Mountain: www.sunmountainlodge.com/summer/hiking.html
Sun Mountain offers miles of varied hiking loops. Choose from a lakeside hike (Patterson Lake/Radar Creek Loop), peak summit (Patterson Mountain), wildlife-rich wetland tour (Beaver Pond Loop) a scenic jaunt (Ridge Trail), or map out your own route (link to SM summer map page).
Free trail maps and advice available at Sun Mountain Lodge activities center.
Mazama:
Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge: An easy out and back with kids, or a short spur off of a 10km loop by bike or foot. Plan a picnic lunch by the Methow River or at the covered shelter at the suspension bridge.
North Cascades/Highway 20 Cascade Loop:
Short-easy paved trails (wheelchair accessible):
Washington Pass Overlook 
(off of Hwy 20)
Rainy Pass (off of Hwy 20)
Falls Creek (Chewuch River Basin)
Half-Day and Day Hikes:
Cutthroat Lake: gradual 4 mile round trip with beautiful mountain and lake views, or climb to Cutthroat Pass beyond the Lake.
Maple Pass: 7 mile loop with great mountain vistas including Glacier Peak.
Coming up!!!
National Trails Day: Celebrating Trails in the Methow
Saturday, June 2, 2012, Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA
(see the MVSTA events calendar for details)
Hiking Maps and Guidebooks
Guidebooks
"Day Hiking in the North Cascades" Craig Romano, The Mountaineers Books
"Day Hike! North Cascades" Mike McQuaide, Sasquatch Books
Maps
MVSTA Sun Mountain Summer Trails map
Amazing Maps: Three regions available for Methow Trails
Okanogan National Forest Visitors Map available at Methow Valley Ranger Dist. Office 996-4000.
Green Trail Maps #s: 50, 51, 52, 81, 82, 83, and for Sun Mountain: Special Series 83S
Maps available for purchase at Trails End Bookstore, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Methow Cycle and Sport, Mazama Store.
Hiking Organizations and Resources
The Mountaineers: www.mountaineers.org
Washington Trails Association’s hiking page: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes
American Hiking Society: www.americanhiking.org
