Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

Before visiting the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth or Pasayten Wilderness

Wilderness areas like this one were set aside as places where nature is allowed to take its course and where humans can escape the effects of growing population and mechanization. These rules and recommendations are all meant to help meet that goal.

* Indicates a Federal Regulation

• 12 & 18 * Party Size*
  Groups traveling in the wilderness must have no more then 12 people and no more than 18 head of pack and saddle stock. 36 CFR 261.58(f)

• Caching and Geocaching*
  Sorry, not allowed. Camps or any other supplies, or GEOCACHES can’t be left unattended more than 48 hours. 36 CFR 261.57(f)

• Wheels*
  Travel in wilderness areas is by foot, horseback, or self-propelled boat. Bicycles, wagons, carts or any other wheeled vehicles, pedaled, pushed or pulled, are not allowed. 36 CFR 261.57 (h)

• Dogs*
  are allowed in the wilderness but must remain under control at all times and are not permitted to menace or annoy other visitors, stock, or wildlife.

• Motorized Equipment*
  No motorized equipment including chainsaws and motorbikes. 36 CFR 261.16(a)

• Shortcutting Switchbacks*
  on trails is prohibited. 36 CFR 261.55 (e)

• Cutting of trees or branches*
  for any purpose is not permitted. Use only dead, down wood for fires.

• Grazing or Tying Stock*
  within 200 feet of the shoreline of any lake is not permitted. Don’t ride right to lakeshores – tie up & walk the last 200’. If animals paw constantly while tied, hobble them. Stock may not be tied directly to trees overnight in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. If a high line is used, the point of hitch or tie must be at least 8 feet from any tree. 36 CFR 261.57 (a,e) 36 CFR 261.58 (aa)

• Only processed grains*
  May be transported into the wilderness. Hay or unprocessed grain may serve as a seed source for noxious weeds or other non-native plants and is not allowed. 36 CFR 261.58 (t)

• Littering*
  Whether it be candy bar wrappers or toilet paper, littering is strictly not allowed. Pack out all litter. 36 CFR 261.11(b)

• Permits*
  Self issuing permits are required for the Pasayten. They are available at trailheads, headquarters, and the visitor center. 36 CFR 261.57

Camping

• Wash yourself and dishes, and dispose of used water at least 200 feet from water sources.

• Pack out or burn any leftover food.

• Try to camp at least 200 feet away from lakes, streams, trails or other camps.

• Use existing campsites rather than creating a new one if you can.

• Dispose of human waste in shallow, covered holes at least 200 feet from any water.

• Don’t trench around your tent or build anything.

• Tie to trees for short stops only and observe all tying and grazing regulations.

• Carry feed, especially in heavy use areas, to avoid overgrazing meadows.

• When you leave, scatter any manure that’s near camp.

Wildlife

• Hang food 10 feet up and at least 4 feet from any tree trunk, or use bear proof container.

Campfires

• Use a stove for cooking.

• If you need a fire, collect only dead AND down wood, use existing fire rings, and keep your fire small.

Planning your Trip

Before you go, contact the local ranger station for maps, trail information, and forage availability for the area you want to visit.

Horses & Hikers

Horses are easily spooked by strange sights and sounds. When hikers and horses meet on the trail potentially dangerous situations can be avoided if hikers move to the downhill side of the trail, stand still and talk in a normal voice to the rider. This assures the horse that you are indeed a non-threatening human rather than a predator poised to attack from above. If the animals still seem afraid of you, try taking off your pack.  

• Camping Tips
  Tips for a great camping experience.

• Hiking Tips
  Tips for planning hiking trips.