Lake Creek Trail 500

Access: From Winthrop take Okanogan County Road 1213 (West Chewuch Road) north about 6 miles to where it joins with Forest Service Road 51. Continue north. Just after the Lake Creek bridge, turn left on FS Road 51-100 and drive 2 miles to the Lake Creek Trailhead.

Route Description: Trail to Black Lake follows Lake Creek. The trail then climbs steadily ito Ashnola Pass (6300’) then follows the Ashnola River north to meet the Boundary Trail #533 near the Ashnola river ford (5320’).

Highlights:  This trail burned over in a 2003 wildfire. Many snags along the trail could come down in windy weather. There are some good views from Ashnola Pass and Fawn Lake, itself interesting in the way it is perched on top of the pass. Though the segment to Black Lake is heavily used, most visitors do not travel beyond it, providing solitude for the traveler who does.

Specific Hazards/Difficulties: The trail beyond Black Lake is not recommended for stock due to hazardous trail conditions. Few campsites are available near the north or south ends of Black Lake and fire are prohibited along most of the shoreline.  Special fishing regulations affect both Black Lake and Lake Creek. 

Length: 18.9 miles/31.5 km.

Restrictions: No motorized or mechanized vehicles. Wilderness use restrictions apply. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of Black Lake shoreline in the Pasayten Wilderness; if in possession of pack or riding animals it is prohibited to camp withing 1/2 mile, horizontal distance of the Black Lake shoreline. 36 CFR 261.58(e) camping