Larch Pass Loop (Pasayten)
A strenuous 52 mile backpack with approximately 7,000 feet of total elevation gain. If done as a five-day trip, longest single day is 12 miles and 2,200 feet elevation. The Pasaytan skirts Canada'a border and includes beautiful open country with views of rolling meadows and surrounding peaks. Late July is typically the peak of the wildflower season.
getting there
From Winthrop drive the East Chewuch Road to Forest Road 51 and head north. Turn left onto Forest Road 5130 and drive to the Billy Goat trailhead at the road's end.
On the trail
This trip can be done as a four or five day backpack. For a trip of this length, one suggested daily itinerary, starting and returning to the Billy Goat trailhead, is:
Day 1 - Camp along Larch Creek 1-2 mi past Three Fools Pass.
Day 2 - Camp in vicinity of Sheep Lake 6-8 mi past Larch Pass.
Day 3 - Layover day. Hike 8 mile loop around Sheep Mountain and climb over Park Pass.
Day 4 - Camp by Larch Creek or Larch Pass after heading over Peeve Pass.
Day 5 - Retrace steps from Day 1 and hike over Three Fools and Billy Goat Pass back to the trailhead.
Notes
- Guidebook Reference: Backpacking Washington by Douglas Lorain (Wilderness Press, 2007).
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 52.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 7,000 ft
- 7,300 ft
-
Land Manager:
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Pasayten Wilderness, Methow Valley Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Billy Goat Mountain No. 19
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