Methow Valley Ranger District

Facility · Washington ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Okanogan National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,871 ft
Elevation

With its big valleys, open wildspaces, high ridges and beautiful rivers, the Methow Valley Ranger District's 1.3 million acres extends from near the town of Twisp Washington to the crest of the Cascade Mountains in the Pasayten Wilderness.  Alpine lakes are a hideaway for anglers while diverse wilderness awaits explorers of all types.  There are bassalt formations for rock climbers and winter sports opportunities abound. 

The highest peak is Jack Mountain at 9,066 feet, with many other peaks above 7000 feet.  The Methow Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails with a hiking season that averages from June through October.  Some trails are open to motorcycles and mountain bikes, however, no mechanized vehicles are permitted within Pasayten or Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness Areas.

During summer months, The North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 provides a direct link to the west side of Washington State, enticing both motorized and non motorized travelers to make the scenic trip.  An Overlook at Washington Pass gives a spectacular view of massive Liberty Bell Mountain (7790 elevation) and Early Winters Spires. The highway is closed during the winter months.

Methow Valley Ranger District Recreation / Roads Report

Prescribed Fires Information

Getting there

24 West Chewuch Road
Winthrop, WA 98862

Phone:
509-996-4000 Voice
509-996-0000 TTY
509-996-2208 Fax
 

48.47911, -120.18933 · 48°28'44.8"N 120°11'21.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 29°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F303850617177868677614129
Low °F151825324046514941322515
Precip in2.11.31.20.81.11.10.70.50.51.42.02.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Methow Valley Ranger District

Can you reserve a site at Methow Valley Ranger District?
No. Methow Valley Ranger District is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Methow Valley Ranger District

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.