A valley walk along Foggy Dew Creek with two large waterfalls, followed by a steep climb into beautiful Merchant's Basin, culminating in expansive views of the Sawtooth and Entiat ranges from the top of Angel's Staircase.
The first section of this trail parallels Foggy Dew Creek, staying on the north side, traveling through ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. The forest changes to lodgepole pine about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, and again to subalpine-lodgepole pine mix at bout 3.5 miles to the end of the route.
This section of the trail is fairly flat but the surface becomes rocky 3.5 miles before its end. Five miles from the trailhead, arrive at a junction with the Martin Creek trail to the right and the Foggy Dew Trail Section II 417A to the left, which heads into Merchants Basin.
Known for showy wildflowers after the snow has melted, Merchants Basin is a wonderful destination. Take the left trail, and after 0.3 miles the trail begins a steep, rocky ascent with numerous switchbacks. The upper end of the switchbacks returns to subalpine trees and shortly opens up into the meadows of Merchants Basin.
Past Merchant's Basin, you'll arrive at a junction for the Sunrise Lake Trail to your left. Stay on the trail you're currently on, and continue through open meadows, looking for rock cairns that mark the way.
2.5 miles from the first junction is another junction with the unmaintained Cooney Lake Trail. It heads right. Again, stay on the main trail, and take the last tenth of a mile to traverse a rocky slope to the main Sawtooth Ridge.
Foggy Dew Creek
48.1751,
-120.2613
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,620 feet
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Highest Point
- 8,050 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
None
A valley walk along Foggy Dew Creek with two large waterfalls, followed by a steep climb into beautiful Merchant's Basin, culminating in expansive views of the Sawtooth and Entiat ranges from the top of Angel's Staircase.
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Hiking Foggy Dew Creek
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From Twisp take State Route 20 east for 3 miles, then at the junction with State Route 153 take Okanogan County Road 1029 to County Road 1034, which joins with Forest Service Road 4340. Travel Foreset Service Road 4340, and then take Forest Service Road 4340-200 to the trailhead at the end of the road.
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