Methow Wildlife Area - Bowen Mountain East Loop

Your parking may vary (see directions), but the route description will begin at the switchback on Lester Road. Walk away from the road heading up the drainage. In 100 yards, you will pass through a cattle gate (please close this). The trail to the left of this gate is where you will return to at the end of your hike.

The trail climbs moderately steeply through a few switchbacks and then loops around the southern end of Bowen Mountain. Passing through shrub steppe terrain, there are many flowers, like arrowleaf balsamroot, putting on an amazing show in the spring. Views start to open up as you gain elevation. Wet seeps from Johnson and Bowen Creeks make for lush folds turning a blazing gold in the fall. Snowy ridgelines in the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness will accompany you through much of this hike.

At about 1 mile, you will have a mild navigational challenge. As there is grazing allowed here, there can be many wayward trails. The trail is faint, turning uphill about 50 feet before you get to a gate. The trail heads gradually uphill, just a short distance before turning left on a well-formed path. Any bikers that you may have shared this trail with will likely turn eastward here. This trail turns back to the west and climbs slowly up slope. Avoid any side trails that want to take you downhill, leave those to the cattle. In a short while, the trail rounds a rocky outcropping and heads due north.

Initially, the trail winds through beautiful little grass and flower-hidden valleys. These are tiny little features, but quite pleasing. As you gain elevation, the trail narrows and the sidehill that you’re on becomes a bit exposed. A few rock outcrops and then back to side-hilling. Enjoy the views along here and watch for wildlife, as there is much. At 3.4 miles, you will encounter a series of switchbacks created for mountain bikers. Though not direct, they ease the downward transition.

Descending downward into Bear Creek, the terrain becomes much more lush. At 4 miles, you will reach the creek bed itself. The riparian zone here is flush with aspens, willow, cherries and all manner of beauty. The trail sees little maintenance, and fallen trees are generally left in place, so keep your eyes open and you’ll be fine. After crossing the creek for the second time, the trail ascends the eastern side of the draw, providing amazing views down upon the canopy. The remainder of the trail winds up and down through this riparian zone and the shrub steppe above it. There are fabulous opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife in general. Be aware that this drainage is named Bear Creek for a reason.

At 6 miles, you will pop out at the gate that you entered through earlier. If you parked further downhill, you may follow the trail that continues straight, continuing along the creek.