Andrews Creek Trail #504 plunges deep into the heart of the 530,000-acre Pasayten Wilderness, Washington's largest wilderness area. This is a trail for experienced backpackers seeking 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 meadows bursting with wildflowers. The first 12 miles travel through sun-exposed burned forest with limited shade, making this a physically demanding approach. Your reward: access to the Boundary Trail corridor and destinations like Cathedral Lakes, with opportunities to craft multi-day loops through some of Washington's most pristine backcountry. Expect minimal trail traffic, challenging navigation in sections, and the full spectrum of wilderness self-reliance.
No permit quotas or reservations—just fill out a free, self-issue wilderness permit at the Andrews Creek Trailhead kiosk. You'll also need a Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annual or $5 day pass) to park at the trailhead. Purchase 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. 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 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—high snowpack years can push this to late July.
July: Trail is passable but mosquitoes and biting flies are brutal. Expect swarms that will test your sanity. Wildflowers peak in late July, but bring a head net.
August: Mosquitoes diminish 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 offers the best conditions—golden larches rival the wildflower displays, mosquitoes are gone, and temperatures cool (expect freezing nights). This is peak season, with 25-30% of annual use occurring in September. Wildfire smoke can linger into early September.
October-June: Snow, road closures, and challenging 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—expect wet, muddy tread and potential erosion issues. All water requires treatment. Above Andrews Pass, water availability depends on season; snowmelt feeds meadow streams into August, but late-season trips should plan carefully and confirm conditions via recent trip reports.
The Pasayten can lack abundant water sources in some areas—this isn't the wet, creek-rich North Cascades. Scout camps early and plan for dry stretches if extending beyond Andrews Pass.
Nearest resupply is Winthrop, Washington, a charming Wild West-themed town with excellent grocery stores and gear shops. It's the primary resupply for PCT hikers and caters to backpackers. From Winthrop, it's about 28 miles of driving (last 22 miles on Forest Service Road 51) to the trailhead. No shuttle services operate to this remote trailhead—you'll need a personal vehicle or arrange a private shuttle. Nearest commercial airport is Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee (103 miles), though most fly into Seattle-Tacoma (213 miles).
Navigation: Trail conditions deteriorate beyond the 12-mile mark. Expect extensive blowdowns (downed trees) crisscrossing the trail, with 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 via the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website before departure.
Exposure: The first 12 miles pass through burned forest with minimal shade. July and August temperatures soar; 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. No major unbridged river fords on the main trail, but expect wet feet.
Wildlife: Black bears are common—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 inhabit the Pasayten. The area hosts the largest population of Canada lynx in the Lower 48.
Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies are ferocious in July and early August. Bring a head net or suffer.
Solitude Means Self-Reliance: You will likely encounter 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 Andrews Creek Trailhead parking.
FSR 51 is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for passenger cars in summer, but high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the final rough section. The trailhead offers ample parking (including horse trailer spaces), vault toilets, and interpretive kiosks. No potable water—fill in Winthrop or at Andrews Creek itself.
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 (expect manure and hoof-churned soil).
Cathedral Lakes Considerations: If extending to Cathedral Lakes, be aware that Upper Cathedral Lake is severely damaged from overuse and is under restoration monitoring. The Forest Service requests camping well away from the lake and out of sight of trails. Meadows are pocked with horse damage; tread lightly.
Timing the Climb: Start early to tackle 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 due to golden larches. Expect more company than 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—progress slows when navigating obstacles and route-finding.
Check Fire Conditions: Before every trip, verify no active fires or closures via 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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