Andrews Creek Trail #504 runs deep into the 530,000-acre Pasayten Wilderness, Washington's largest wilderness area. This is a trail for experienced backpackers who want solitude in remote, roadless terrain. The 16-mile route climbs 4,000 feet from the trailhead (3,090 feet) to Andrews Pass (approximately 6,700 feet), passing through extensive 2003 wildfire burn zones before reaching subalpine wildflower meadows. The first 12 miles cross sun-exposed burned forest with little shade, so the approach is physically demanding. In return you get access to the Boundary Trail corridor and destinations like Cathedral Lakes, plus the option of multi-day loops through some of Washington's least-visited backcountry. Expect minimal trail traffic, difficult navigation in sections, and full wilderness self-reliance.
There are no permit quotas or reservations. Just fill out a free, self-issue wilderness permit at the Andrews Creek Trailhead kiosk. You will also need a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annual or $5 day pass) to park at the trailhead. Buy day passes online via Recreation.gov's ePass system or use the Scan and Pay function at the trailhead.
Critical new regulation (effective September 2024): All food, beverages, pet food, garbage, cookware, and scented items (toothpaste, soap, candles) must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. In the backcountry, this means hanging food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from vertical supports, or using an IGBC-approved bear canister. In alpine areas above treeline where hanging is impossible, a bear canister is your only legal option. Do not bury or burn food waste.
Campfires are permitted in the Pasayten, but camp stoves are strongly recommended, and campfires are prohibited where posted. Practice Leave No Trace principles: the Cathedral Lakes area has suffered serious damage from overuse, and the Forest Service is monitoring impacts to the fragile alpine meadows. Camp on durable surfaces out of sight of trails and lakes.
The access road (Forest Service Road 51) is closed to wheeled vehicles from December 1 to April 1 due to snow. Eastern-side Pasayten trails typically melt out by early July, but check conditions; a high snowpack year can push this to late July.
July: The trail is passable, but mosquitoes and biting flies are brutal. Expect heavy swarms. Wildflowers peak in late July; bring a head net.
August: Mosquitoes taper off by late August, but wildfire smoke becomes a significant concern. More than half the Pasayten has burned since 2000, and summer fires can close trails with little notice. Check fire conditions before your trip.
September: Late September has the best conditions: golden larches to match the earlier wildflower displays, no mosquitoes, and cooler temperatures (expect freezing nights). This is peak season, and 25-30% of annual use happens in September. Wildfire smoke can linger into early September.
October-June: Snow, road closures, and difficult conditions. Only for experienced winter backcountry travelers.
Andrews Creek itself provides reliable water for the first 12 miles, though sections of the trail run directly through seasonal creek flows around mile 5.5, so expect wet, muddy tread and some erosion. All water requires treatment. Above Andrews Pass, water availability depends on the season; snowmelt feeds the meadow streams into August, but late-season trips should plan carefully and confirm conditions through recent trip reports.
Parts of the Pasayten lack abundant water. This is not the wet, creek-rich North Cascades. Scout camps early and plan for dry stretches if you continue beyond Andrews Pass.
The nearest resupply is Winthrop, Washington, a Wild West-themed town with well-stocked grocery stores and gear shops. It is the primary resupply for PCT hikers and caters to backpackers. From Winthrop, the trailhead is about 28 miles of driving, the last 22 miles on Forest Service Road 51. No shuttle services run to this remote trailhead, so you need a personal vehicle or a private shuttle arrangement. The nearest commercial airport is Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee (103 miles), though most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma (213 miles).
Navigation: Trail conditions deteriorate beyond the 12-mile mark. Expect extensive blowdowns (downed trees) across the trail, and there are reports of losing the path entirely around the 6,300-foot switchback area near Andrews Pass. Bring GPS, downloaded maps, and solid navigation skills. This is not a well-maintained corridor trail.
Wildfire: Active fire risk July through October. The Diamond Creek Fire damaged sections of this trail system, burning bridges and increasing erosion. Check current closures on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website before departure.
Exposure: The first 12 miles pass through burned forest with minimal shade. July and August get hot; start early and carry extra water. Heat exhaustion is a real risk on the exposed climb to Andrews Pass.
Creek Crossings: Seasonal flows turn portions of the trail into literal streambeds, particularly around mile 5.5. Early summer snowmelt can make crossings dangerous; morning crossings are safer than afternoon, when snowmelt peaks. There are no major unbridged river fords on the main trail, but expect wet feet.
Wildlife: Black bears are common, and proper food storage is now mandatory (see Regulations). Grizzly bears are possible but extremely rare in the North Cascades. Gray wolves, lynx, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep live in the Pasayten, which hosts the largest population of Canada lynx in the Lower 48.
Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies are ferocious in July and early August. A head net makes the difference.
Solitude Means Self-Reliance: You will likely see few, if any, other hikers. Cell service is nonexistent. Carry a satellite communicator, first aid skills, and extra food. The nearest trailhead is hours from medical care.
From Winthrop, Washington, drive north on SR-20, then turn right onto Okanogan County Road 1213 (West Chewuch Road). After 6 miles, the county road becomes Forest Service Road 51. Continue for 22 miles to the end of pavement, then turn right into the Andrews Creek Trailhead parking.
FSR 51 is a well-maintained gravel road that passenger cars can handle in summer, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the final rough section. The trailhead has ample parking (including horse trailer spaces), vault toilets, and interpretive kiosks. There is no potable water; fill up in Winthrop or from Andrews Creek itself.
The road closes December 1 to April 1 for winter (groomed for snowmobile use).
Camping Strategy: Most backpackers camp near Andrews Pass around mile 12, where dispersed sites exist on the eastern bluff. This makes a logical first night for loop trips connecting to the Boundary Trail. Scout camps early; established sites are limited and heavily impacted by horse use, so expect manure and hoof-churned soil.
Cathedral Lakes Considerations: If you continue to Cathedral Lakes, be aware that Upper Cathedral Lake is severely damaged from overuse and under restoration monitoring. The Forest Service asks that you camp well away from the lake and out of sight of trails. The meadows are pocked with horse damage; tread lightly.
Timing the Climb: Start early so you do the exposed 12-mile climb in cooler morning temperatures. Afternoon heat in the burn zone is punishing.
Larch Season Logistics: Late September weekends see the heaviest use because of the golden larches. Expect more company than at other times, though "crowded" in the Pasayten is still remarkably quiet.
Volunteer Maintenance: Trail crews work annually after snowmelt (typically Memorial Day weekend) but cannot keep pace with blowdowns and overgrowth. Set realistic mileage expectations, since progress slows when you are climbing over obstacles and route-finding.
Check Fire Conditions: Before every trip, verify there are no active fires or closures on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website, and call the Methow Valley Ranger District (509-996-4000) for current conditions.
Stock Users Welcome: This trail is heavily used by horse packers. Yield to stock, and be prepared for horse-impacted campsites and trails.
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