The Hidden Lakes Trail is a 17.8-mile route from Billy Goat Trailhead to the East Fork Pasayten River, deep in the Pasayten Wilderness, one of Washington's largest and most remote wilderness areas. It passes a chain of four alpine lakes: Cougar, First Hidden, Middle Hidden, and Big Hidden, all set in country still recovering from the massive 2017 Diamond Creek Fire. This is a trip for backpackers who want solitude and are willing to work for it. Expect rough trail conditions with extensive blowdown, few other people beyond the front country, and good fishing, wildlife watching, and options for extended loop trips. It suits experienced backpackers who can route-find around downed trees and are comfortable traveling through burn zones.
There are no permit fees or quotas. This is non-quota wilderness with free, self-issue permits at the Billy Goat Trailhead; fill one out before entering. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest requires proper food storage: either hang food 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks, or use an IGBC-approved bear canister or Ursack. The rule is strictly enforced, with fines up to $5,000, because the Pasayten lies within the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. Group size limits and Leave No Trace principles apply. Some trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass for parking; confirm the Billy Goat Trailhead specifics with the Methow Valley Ranger District. Stock users must carry weed-free feed.
Mid-July through September is the most reliable window. Snow typically clears from the passes (Eightmile Pass at 6,600 feet, higher routes reaching 7,000+ feet) by mid-July, though snowfields can linger in heavy snow years. Eastern-side approaches like Billy Goat generally melt out earlier than western access points. Late July through August has the best conditions: minimal snow, moderate temperatures (highs 65-76°F, lows 42-48°F), and relatively dry weather, with less than 2 inches of precipitation per month. Mosquitoes emerge in June and can be fierce through early July. September brings cooler nights, fall colors, and fewer bugs, but also more precipitation and the chance of early season snow at higher elevations. The 2017 Diamond Creek Fire burned 128,000 acres across this route, and the thousands of downed trees it left behind are an obstacle in any season.
Water is generally abundant from snowmelt-fed creeks and the four main lakes, though reliability drops in late August and September. Cougar Lake, approximately 13 miles in, is the first major water source, followed by the three Hidden Lakes. Eightmile Creek provides water along the initial approach. Filter or treat all sources. In burn zones, reaching water may mean picking through unstable terrain around charred trees. Late-season hikers should plan for reduced creek flows. The nearest resupply is Winthrop, 9.2 miles from the Forest Road 5130 turnoff. Winthrop has a full resupply setup: grocery stores, Cascades Outdoor Store for gear, restaurants, lodging, and a post office. It is a PCT and Pacific Northwest Trail resupply town with good backpacker infrastructure. There is nothing along the trail itself, so plan on complete self-sufficiency.
The Diamond Creek Fire shapes everything about this trail. Expect thousands of downed burned trees across the route, particularly in the 6-mile stretch to Cougar Lake and beyond. Working around blowdown is strenuous, slow, and sometimes dangerous, with unstable snags and widow-makers, so allow extra time and energy. Creek crossings range from easy fords to knee-deep or deeper, especially in early season when snowmelt swells the flows. Scout crossings and know your limits; some hikers report waist-deep fords in high water. The Pasayten has black bears, a small grizzly population, and abundant other wildlife, which is why proper food storage is mandatory. The remoteness itself is a hazard: cell service is nonexistent, and on through-trails you are 150 miles between significant resupply points. Heat waves in the shadeless burn zones can be intense. Trail maintenance lags far behind the pace of new blowdown, so route-finding skills help. Rangers recommend checking current conditions before departure.
From Winthrop, drive north on West Chewuch Road (County Road 1213) for 9.2 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 5130 (Eightmile Creek Road). Follow this road 16 miles to Billy Goat Trailhead, about 45 minutes of total driving. The lower portion of FS 5130 is paved, then turns to gravel with reported potholes. Standard clearance vehicles can typically reach the trailhead, though conditions vary by season. Check with the Methow Valley Ranger District for current road status, especially after spring runoff or storms. Four campgrounds line the road before the trailhead, one with potable water. The trailhead has separate parking areas for hikers (upper, smaller lot) and stock users (lower lot with ramp and hitch rails). There is no potable water at the trailhead. The nearest airport is Paine Field or SeaTac (Seattle), 3-4 hours away. Methow Motion runs permitted shuttle services to trailheads in the area, including Hart's Pass and Bridge Creek; contact them about Billy Goat availability. No organized public transit serves this remote area.
Bring a saw or loppers if you are comfortable with trail clearing, since every cut helps future hikers. Trekking poles earn their keep on log crossings and around blowdown. Cougar Lake (13 miles) makes a logical first-night camp with ample space for groups, though horse packers favor it too. The cabins at First Hidden Lake and between First and Middle Hidden date to the 1950s; some may be staffed by rangers in peak season. Fishing for rainbow trout in the lakes is reportedly excellent. The Stub Creek junction near Middle Hidden Lake opens up options for extended loop trips. Start early to give yourself daylight for the blowdown sections. Wildlife sightings are common, so practice good bear awareness; lucky hikers spot lynx, wolves, moose, or bighorn sheep. The burn zone also opens up long views you would never get through intact forest. Download offline maps before departure. If you want a taste of the area without the full commitment, consider the shorter 12-mile Larch Pass loop option.
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