Martin Creek Trail 429
Access: From Twisp take State Route 20 east for 3 miles, to junction with SR 153. Take SR 153 south for 12 miles to Okanogan County Road 1029 and follow a short distance to County Road 1034 (Gold Creek Loop). Take County Road 1034, which becomes Forest Service Road 4340, about 6 miles to FS Road 4340-300 (Crater Creek Road). Take FS Road 4340-300 for 4.6 miles to the Crater Creek Trailhead. Take the Eagle Lakes Trail 430 for 2 miles to the start of the Martin Creek Trail.
Route Description: The first mile descends through mixed Douglas fir and subalpine forest to the stream ford then & switches back, up for 0.75 miles and begins traveling above Martin Creek. At 4 miles the Martin Lake Trail goes off to the right. The route continues through subalpine forest to about 7000 feet. It then enters an open meadow basin with scattered trees below Martin Peak. Still gaining elevation to 7220 feet the trail crosses the divide between Martin Creek and Foggy Dew Creek. Just beyond the high ground the Cooney Lake Trail is off to the right. Then the trail descends through scattered trees and exposed rock and boulders, eventually into dense subalpine forest to the junction with the Foggy Dew Trail. On the Foggy Dew Trail it's another 5 miles to the Foggy Dew Trailhead.
Highlights: Martin Creek Trail provides various users access to several lakes with good fishing and the possibility of a loop route out the Foggy Dew Trail. This area is popular with motorbike users and is gaining popularity with mountain bikers. During the shorter days of late summer and early autumn the larch trees in the upper basin of Martin and Foggy Dew creeks have a spectacular display of yellows and gold the larch trees provide.
Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Be considerate of all trail users, when encountering stock on the trail, kill the motor on the motorbike, and lean the bike against the cutslope of the trail. Talk to the horseriders so the stock can recognize your location and not feel threatened by your actions. Move off the lower side of the trail and continue talking to the animals until all have past. Mountain bikers and hikers can take their packs and bikes off the lower side of the trail with them, and talk to the animals to reassure them. These measures will assure safety to everyone for there common enjoyment.
Length: 8.9 miles/14.2 km.
Season: End of June - mid-October.
Maps:
USGS: Martin Peak.
Green Trails: Prince Creek.
Restrictions: Motorbikes are not allowed on Martin Lake Trail 429A and Cooney Lake Trail 434.
Trailhead Facilities: Parking area and campsite area, with toilet, and loading ramp, stock water tank and hitch rails. Elevation 4800 feet.