Glorious in autumn when golden larches set the hills aglow and crimson blue-berry bushes light the meadows on fire, this dramatic portal into the North Cascades National Park makes a fine summer destination as well. During those warmer months enjoy alpine floral displays with glacier lilies, phlox, lupine, and paintbrush stealing the show. And while Twisp Pass in itself is a worthy objective, consider pushing farther. Drop down to Dagger Lake or wander a couple of miles of spectacular, open high country to explore polished granite shelves, remote grassy benches, and quiet hidden tarns.

Take the trail heading west, Twisp Pass Trail No. 432. A fairly popular path among equestrians, the way is wide and well groomed and occasionally adorned with road apples. For its first 0.4 mile the trail parallels FR 4440 on its way to the Roads End Campground (a good place to stay over for an early start).

Leaving the road behind, enter the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and enjoy easy walking in a wild valley. Following alongside the Twisp River, the trail undulates between lush forest and warm, brushy avalanche slopes. Pass giant cottonwoods, deciduous behemoths among the colossal conifers. Pyramidal Lincoln Butte hovers above.

The grade eventually steepens. At 2 miles, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Twisp River, come to a junction (elev. 4400 ft). The trail right leads to Copper Pass. Stay left instead and cross the North Fork on a narrow bridge. Now steadily gaining elevation, the trail skirts Lincoln Butte and slabs up a series of benches. Thinning pines and a handful of ledges provide for good glimpses down the glacially carved Twisp River valley.

With the South Fork now far below, the trail works its way higher along Lincoln's southern slopes. Admire nice rock cribbing along the trail. Admire, too, growing views of South Creek Butte and Crescent, Hock, and Twisp mountains. Pass rock gardens, blueberry patches, heather meadows, and clumps of subalpine fir. At 5.5 miles, in splendid parklands, arrive at Twisp Pass (elev. 6064 ft). A well-weathered sign indicates you're only a few steps away from entering the sprawling North Cascades National Park.