Big Valley

Big Valley offers a mostly flat 5.3-mile lollipop-shaped trail providing river access and shade on hot days. You will wind your way along the double-track trail through groves of tall ponderosas, dense areas of riparian vegetation, and fields of tall grass with views of the surrounding hills. The riparian vegetation offers shade for hikers, but also shades and cools the river for the endangered salmon and steelhead fish. 

From the parking lot, the trail begins by taking you through a field of tall grass. The trail is fairly smooth and as wide as a single-lane road. There are minimal elevation changes and the first portion of the trail is wheelchair accessible. At 0.65 miles in, the path narrows as thick grass creeps over the edges of the trail. Stop and soak in the views before ducking into the shade of tall trees and thicker vegetation. Before long, the trail opens back up to more views of fields and the hills in the distance. 

Come to an intersection at 1.75 miles from the trailhead. This portion of the trail is a loop, so you can go left or right here. Take the right trail for the quickest route to the river! Follow the trail for 0.5 miles where the Methow River will come into view. On the right side of the trail, you’ll find a short, sandy footpath that leads to a stretch of rocky beach. This is a great place to have a picnic or cool off on a hot day. 

Since this is a loop, you can either turn back and return the way you came, or continue on the trail and complete the loop. If you choose to continue, you'll stroll along the river for a moment before the trail turns left taking you back into the shade of the forest. In 0.75 miles turn left to stay on the loop trail.

Note: There is a seasonal closure to protect state-endangered sandhill cranes at Big Valley. These cranes are extremely rare in the Methow Valley and Big Valley hosts the only nesting pair ever documented. You can expect to see portions of the trail closed from April through the end of September, but it truly depends on when and where these cranes decide to nest. There will be information posted at the trailhead regarding any closures. The closure begins at this point in the trail through the end of the trail.

Follow the trail as it continues to alternate between wide open fields and the shade of dense vegetation. Soon, you will intersect with the trail you began your journey on. Turn right to return to the trailhead and make your way back to your car.

WTA Pro Tip: In the spring, you may be able to see spawning Chinook salmon in the Methow River.