Winchester Mountain

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If the access road were paved, Winchester Mountain would likely be one of the most popular hikes in the North Cascades. The trail begins between a pair of stunning, mile-high sub-alpine lakes. It switchbacks through blueberry-bursting meadows, past a permanent snowfield to a restored historic lookout in just 1.6 miles.

The road to Twin Lakes Trailhead, where this hike begins, is one of the roughest gravel roads in the area and undriveable for most vehicles. If you don't have a very capable 4WD with high clearance, you may have to park at the Tomyhoi/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead and walk the remaining 2.5 miles to Twin Lakes.

This trail starts at Twin Lakes Road (4x4 access only; other cars can park farther down the road). Follow the signs that will point you up the steep trail, making a left turn at the High Pass trail junction. You'll take on a couple dozen switchbacks up a mostly open mountainside that bursts with wildflowers in summer. Enjoy views over the Twin Lakes and Goat Mountain's twin peaks.

Once on top, you'll find the Winchester Mountain Lookout, a fire tower that dates to 1935 and is maintained for overnight use. In theory you can bring supplies and spend the night on beds inside the lookout, but it's first-come-first served, so no guarantee of finding it unoccupied. Bring a tent as a backup.

The route up Winchester Mountain is easy to find during snow-free conditions. When there is snow (often well into July), that is a different story. You need to use a GPS and have experience in route finding. You may also need crampons and ice axes. You basically follow the snow field up across the switchbacks about a thousand feet. After that, follow the trail as best as possible, but be prepared to navigate steep and firm snow that poses significant fall hazard. Remember: each season will be different, so there is no definitive way to climb this mountain during the snowy season.