This is a scenic river bottom hike that serves as an alternate route to access the Crest Trail. There is fishing along the way for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout.

General Information: This is a scenic river bottom hike that serves as an alternate route to access the Crest Trail. There is fishing along the way for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. There are campsites located at 2.1, 4.1, 6.0 and 7.2 miles. There is also a good horse camp with feed and water located 2 miles southwest of the trail's end on the Pacific Crest Trail at Horse Heaven Camp. The trail leaves the road about 1 mile west of River Bend campground. There are no stock facilities at the trailhead. The trail follows the Methow River mostly in lodge pole and slide chute brush and meadows for 8 miles to meet the Pacific Crest Trail.

Directions: From Winthrop, Drive Highway 20 west to the Mazama junction. Turn right, then left at Mazama onto the Hart's Pass Road. Drive to River Bend Campground and turn in. Drive the rough road about 0.2 miles past the campground and park.

Elevation: 2,900 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet

Distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information

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