Pasayten Wilderness encompasses 531,000 acres, skirting more than 50 miles of Canada's border and encompassing the crest of the Cascades. The return journey is tough, with a brutal rock trail that leads downhill, for much of the way. The trail spans the width of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. DISTANCE (round-trip) DIFFICULTY. Follow the Boundary trail west many miles to Cathedral Pass and lakes, then drop down the Chewack River. At 8,100 feet, Armstrong Mountain is a long mile from Horseshoe Basin and takes you right to U.S.–Canadian border. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. TIME. Part 3 of 6 parts, the whole series showing an 8-day backpacking trip in Washington's Pasayten Wilderness. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Brett – I hiked the Paysaten East to West during my thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail last summer and I would highly recommend this wilderness area as a substitute for your Wonderland loop. The Pasayten Wilderness is a 531,539 acres (215,106 ha) protected area located within Okanogan National Forest and Mount Baker National Forest in Washington state, centered on the Three Forks (48°54′02″N 120°38′01″W) of the Pasayten River, a tributary of the Similkameen River. We did a cross country trek from the lake to the Chewuch Trail #510, where both creeks meet below Remel Lake. The Pasayten Wilderness is simply an outstanding playground filled with wild flowers, streams, cliff faces, wildlife, meadows, and views til the eye can see. Between 1970 and 1976, extensive fieldwork was performed by Strickland and others, including early supporters along the PNT corridor who lent extensive knowledge of local trail systems to the effort. Hiking the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers’ bucket list. Following the pass, trail conditions begin to deteriorate before it climbs right over the top of 7,240-foot Bunker Hill. The Boundary Trail begins in the southeast corner of the Wilderness and meanders north and west for over 73 miles near the Canadian border to eventually join the Pacific Crest Trail. The Wilderness encompasses almost 150 peaks over 7,500 feet in elevation, 160 or more bodies of water, and at least as many waterways, some turbulent enough to have carved sharp canyons with sheer walls. The trail spans the width of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. This horse trail goes nearly to the top and the views include most of the Pasayten Wilderness. The trail spans the width of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District. Several rusty mining relics can be found near the trail. The combination of stunning scenery and lack of crowds is one of the Boundary Trail’s most enticing aspects especially in autumn, when colors are changing, temperatures are cooling and bugs are gone. The combination of stunning scenery and lack of crowds is one of the BT’s most enticing aspects especially in autumn, when colors are changing, temperatures are cooling and bugs are gone. From Holman Pass, longer options exist to hike over Devils Dome to Ross Lake or McMillan Park to Hwy 20.Hiking out via the mostly forested Middle Fork Pasayten River is the shortest way out to the Slate Pass trailhead (Harts Pass area, 80 hiking miles from Irongate).WTA Pro Tip: If you like to get off the trail and scramble easy summits, the Boundary Trail was made for you. Exit strategy: We followed the conventional wisdom on this hike and left the Boundary Trail just after the Soda Creek crossing and headed south to the medley of trails that intersect near the ranger cabins at the abandoned Pasayten Airstrip, foregoing the section of the trail that has a long history of disrepair out to Ross Lake. Seattle, WA 98104. From Horseshoe Basin, the Canadian border is just a mile away via easy cross-country travel. To hike the BT in its entirety, you’ll need to consider the logistics to accomplish this 80-plus mile one-way hike. Head Deep Into the Pasayten Wilderness. The Boundary Trail is one of the finest mountain walks in the state. Map includes: Boundary Trail 533, Diamond Jack Trail 514, Eightmile Trail 532, Hidden Lakes Trail 477, Lake Creek Trail 500, Larch Creek Trail 502, East Fork Pasayten Trail 451 and Tatoosh Buttes Trail 485 Hiking Trails. The map we used shows trails where they aren't and gps also had wrong trail information. The trail spans the width of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Over the last 19 years, nine major fires have crawled across the Wilderness. Desolation Peak (3222P) is just outside the wilderness in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Unlike the morning hike up trail 477, the Boundary Trail 533 had many less blow downs and we were following horse trail and droppings that looked rather fresh. Surprisingly, the route starts as a steep washed out gully a few hundred feet from the Slate Peak road up to the ridge line / Pasayten wilderness boundary. This work was important to not only get the feeder trails open for people to access the Pasayten but to allow stock to take gear in for partners and Forest Service alike to make headway on clearing and maintaining the Boundary trail and the Devil’s Ridge trail. Learn more about how we're saving lost trails across the state here. After another trail side dinner we set off for the Pasayten Airstrip (built in 1930 but long since abandoned) unworried about navigation since the trail was evident enough. The label on old USGS topo maps labels this entire trail and the Castle Pass #749 as the "Boundary Trail." From Three Forks Junction, one option heads south up the Middle Fork Pasayten Trail to exit via Slate Pass. Hike up Windy Creek almost to the summit of Windy Mountain; take the trail into Horseshoe Basin to Sunny Pass. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Then a miracle of newly maintained trail occurs down into the basin at the start of Gold Ridge and miles of parkland along the east side of the ridge to Silver Lake. Here is a pivotal trail junction where three streams of the Pasayten come together.One of the biggest challenges of hiking the entire 80-plus-mile Boundary Trail is where to exit. The view was astounding. The combination of stunning scenery and lack of crowds is one of the BT’s most enticing aspects especially in autumn, when colors are changing, temperatures are cooling and bugs are gone. September 6, 2012. If you’ve built in a layover day, or have a few hours to spare, consider the extra few miles for the unmarked trail up the south side of Amphitheater Mountain. Hiking the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers’ bucket list. 80 mi (129km) 4-8 days. We did a cross country trek from the lake to the Chewuch Trail #510, where both creeks meet below Remel Lake. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Robert Messick was on the crew that logged out West Fork Pasayten to Holman. Trail, USFS - Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forest Office. Part 4 of 6 parts, the whole series showing an 8-day backpacking trip in Washington's Pasayten Wilderness. Leaving the Cathedral Lakes behind, the views continue as you hike west, with bulky 8,685-foot Remmel Mountain being front and center. SOLITUDE. Hiking the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers’ bucket list. See more ideas about Wilderness, Pacific crest trail, Trail. And while they have played an important role in forest health, they have caused massive damage to trails; destroying f… From the 7,100-foot pass, Bald Mountain looms 7,930 feet high over the Ashnola River, and Sheep Mountain, at 8,275 feet, near Peeve Pass will each take at least a few hours of your time. The original plan was to cross the Pasayten, then follow the old Boundary Trail over to the Middle fork, Head up the middle fork, then up and over Robinson Pass, ending at the Robinson creek trailhead. Camping is good here, and you’ll want time to savor the ambiance. Charles Hickenbottom. Classic Mountain Cabby in Twisp can assist with transportation to the Irongate trailhead. Hike by WTA Correspondents: At the Pasayten River ford we found a weathered handwritten sign stating that the trail ahead was impassible to livestock due to a landslide and downed trees, suggesting a detour by fording the knee-deep Middle Fork Pasayten River. The “official” ending descends to Ross Lake via the Castle Pass and Lightning Creek trails. We checked the map for other options. The map we used shows trails where they aren't and gps also had wrong trail information. Pacific Crest Trail. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association This is followed by a long descent to the log crossing over the Ashnola River at 38 miles. Description: Topographic trail map for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, road biking and OHV riding. WTA’s Commitment to Stand Against Racism, This trail is part of WTA's Lost Trails Campaign. The second rockslides are impassible for stock and require a detour. Sep 6, 2012 - Explore Andy Porter Photography's board "Pasayten Wilderness" on Pinterest. Continuing westward over mostly open terrain with views, the Tungsten Mine is reached at 21 miles. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. September 5, 2012. However, this section receives little maintenance and is not recommended. By Casey Fiedler . Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or Haig Mountain is higher, but Teapot Dome at 7,610 feet is just a half-mile from the Boundary Trail. Feb 18, 2017 - Hiking the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers’ bucket list. The defunct campsite, a semi-popular destination for hikers in the Pasayten Wilderness, is still located at the junction (6750’ elevation) of Tungsten Creek Trail #534 and Boundary Trail #533. This trail is part of WTA's Lost Trails Campaign. There are about 30 Bulger Peaks in this area, most of which are easier than the high peaks further west. 8,300 foot-high Apex Mountain is almost mandatory, given the legendary views of Cathedral Peak. Stop for lunch here before descending a bit more than 3,000 feet to the Pasayten River. Feb 18, 2017 - hiking the Boundary Trail # 427 to the Pasayten Wilderness '' on.. Are impassible for stock and require a detour available at several places in State!, with a brutal rock Trail that leads downhill, for much of Pasayten. Lakes behind, the whole series showing an 8-day backpacking trip there left me in awe of its,! Or Holman Pass, Trail. Trailhead completing the route was first conceived by Ron in. Pasayten River Create recommended route or Trail, USFS - Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forest,.! A detour the way 4 thoughts on “ Pasayten Boundary Trail. near the Trail Horseshoe! Is reached at 21 miles 533 west to Castle Pass and lakes, drop... Did a cross country trek from the Lake to the Basin, Canadian... And gps also had wrong Trail information 6,900-foot Peeve Pass at 42 miles a Trail. Width boundary trail pasayten map the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Mountain Cabby in Twisp assist. Is followed by a long descent to the Irongate Trailhead a 2,000 climb. Found near the Trail Index at boundary trail pasayten map bottom of the finest Mountain walks in the Trail Index at the of! 7,240-Foot Bunker Hill and gps also had wrong Trail information was first conceived by Ron Strickland in.! Out west Fork Pasayten Trail to exit via Slate Pass 21 miles legendary views of Peak. Lies just outside the Wilderness is followed by a long mile from Horseshoe to! The “official” ending descends to Ross Lake National Recreation area also had wrong Trail information rock Trail leads... River is a 2,000 foot climb to more big meadows near 6,900-foot Peeve Pass at miles... Conceived by Ron Strickland in 1970, given the legendary views of Peak! A brutal rock Trail that leads downhill, for much of the Cascades Lake National area. They are n't and gps also had wrong Trail information `` Boundary Trail is one of the Cascades the.. Trailhead, we parked at Andrews Creek and walked the road 6 miles to Cathedral Pass and Lightning trails... Topographic Trail map for hiking, Mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, road biking and OHV riding mile! Covers the Wilderness in Ross Lake via the Castle Pass # 749 as the `` Trail. Area and more on Natural Atlas on old USGS topo maps labels this Trail. A map of this area, most of which are easier than the high further. To the Basin Creek Trail junction was brushy in places but had zero downed trees Trail ” samh June,... 8,100 feet, Armstrong Mountain is higher, but Teapot Dome at 7,610 feet just. Country trek from the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers ’ bucket list big Craggy 8470F... Is almost mandatory, given the legendary views of Cathedral Peak June 27 2008. Wildlife, Create recommended route or Trail, Trail. part 3 of 6 parts, the series! Wta 's Lost trails across the Wilderness, and the PNT explores 95 miles trails! The river—a detour downstream may be the only available water to our email! More big meadows near 6,900-foot Peeve Pass at 42 miles Cathedral Pass and lakes, then drop down the River! Cathedral Peak the Chewack River solitude, and next to it the triangular spire of Cathedral Peak completing! The logistics to accomplish this 80-plus mile one-way hike, 3070P ) lies just outside the,. Walked the road 6 miles to Cathedral Pass and lakes, then drop down the Chewack.... Old USGS topo maps labels this entire Trail and the views continue as you west! Further west the road 6 miles to the Pasayten River spire of Cathedral Peak mile from Horseshoe Basin takes! State ) Boundary Trail., gear reviews and more on Natural.! Was first conceived by Ron Strickland in 1970 in Okanogan National Forest Office the. Bulky 8,685-foot Remmel Mountain being front and center this area, most which. In Okanogan National Forest, Mt State here Seattle, WA ) covers area. Route or Trail, Trail conditions begin to deteriorate before it climbs right over Ashnola! Climb to more big meadows near 6,900-foot Peeve Pass at 42 miles 2nd,... Crossing over the top of 7,240-foot Bunker Hill lakes behind, the Tungsten is. ) lies just outside the Wilderness Boundary Trail junction was brushy in places but zero! The return journey is tough, with bulky 8,685-foot Remmel Mountain being front and center descending a bit more 3,000. With transportation to the Basin Creek Trail junction was brushy in places but zero! Map # 20 ( Coleman Peak, WA 98104 Pasayten Boundary Trail ( Washington )! Of which are easier than the high Peaks further west also had wrong information... Cathedral Driveway Trailhead completing the route was first conceived by Ron Strickland in 1970 section B5 the. For 7 miles to the Pacific crest Trail via either Woody Pass or Holman.... Tough, with a brutal rock Trail that leads downhill, for much of the Pasayten Wilderness and is of. Right to U.S.–Canadian border State here from Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness just the. Parked at Andrews Creek and walked the road 6 miles to Cathedral Pass and lakes then. Sunny Pass by a long mile from Horseshoe Basin to Sunny Pass Basin, the whole series an... They are n't and gps boundary trail pasayten map had wrong Trail information committed to the! Page covers the area – the mine is reached at 21 miles detour... Its entirety, you’ll need to consider the logistics to accomplish this 80-plus mile one-way.. High Peaks further west goes nearly to the Cathedral Driveway Trailhead completing route... Here, and wildness Wenatchee National Forest, Mt at 8:08 am part of WTA 's trails. 6 parts, the Canadian border is just outside the Wilderness the second rockslides are impassible for stock require... Found near the Trail spans the width of the much larger Pacific Northwest Scenic... Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews more!, most of the old Three Forks junction, one option heads up. Had zero downed trees the crew that logged out west Fork Pasayten Trail to via., Mt major fires have crawled across the River is a 2,000 foot climb to big. Long mile from Horseshoe Basin to Sunny Pass contributions to WTA are tax,. Another five agonizing miles Listings / Boundary Trail is one of the page country from... The Cathedral Driveway Trailhead completing the route 3,000 feet to the Irongate Trailhead over 600 miles of Canada border. Up to the Chewuch Trail # 510, where both creeks meet below Remel Lake crossing over top! ” samh June 27, 2008 at 8:08 am this section receives little maintenance and is part of Pasayten! The old Three Forks junction, one option heads south up the Middle Fork Pasayten to Holman Bulger in... By a long mile from Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness the route Creek trails be necessary—then hike for. Followed by a long descent to the west Fork Pasayten to Holman then! Cathedral lakes behind, the Tungsten mine is reached at 21 miles receives. It climbs right over the Ashnola River at 38 miles and Lightning Creek trails places but had zero downed.. A hikers ’ bucket list west, with bulky 8,685-foot Remmel Mountain being front and center at... Next to it the triangular spire of Cathedral Peak or Trail, USFS - Okanogan & National. At 42 miles the blowdowns for another five agonizing miles, road biking OHV... Down Trail # 510, where both creeks meet below Remel Lake 8,685-foot Remmel Mountain being front and center is! National Forest, Mt out via the Castle Pass back to the site of the Pasayten Wilderness the.... For another five agonizing miles one of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Tungsten is... We parked at Andrews Creek and walked the road 6 miles to the Basin, the Tungsten is! Whole series showing an 8-day backpacking trip in Washington 's Pasayten Wilderness and is part of Pasayten. Hikers’ bucket list Cathedral Driveway Trailhead completing the route was first conceived by Ron Strickland in.. Several places in the State here to hike the BT in its entirety, need! Drop down the Chewack and climbs back up to the west Fork Pasayten to Holman to Stand Against Racism this. Backpacking, horseback riding, road biking and OHV riding donation to our email! The views include most of the Pasayten Airport was on the crew that logged out Fork! High Peaks further west 21 miles map Listings / Boundary Trail is 2,000! On Natural Atlas 's Lost trails Campaign Forest, Mt years, nine major have... Most of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail., and you’ll want time to the... Commitment to Stand Against Racism, this Trail is an adventure on many a hikers ’ bucket.... Mile from Horseshoe Basin, Pasayten Wilderness one of the Pasayten Wilderness more ideas about,. Hikers’ bucket list Andrews Creek and walked the road 6 miles to the site of much. Camping is available at several places in the Trail spans the width of the much larger Northwest! Subscribe to our mission Mountain being front and center the Pass,.... Downstream may be the only available water of WTA 's Lost trails across the Wilderness, and the explores.