Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Hiking Guide War Creek

War Creek

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
48.3582, -120.4164 Map & Directions
Length
9.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
3,840 feet
Highest Point
6,840 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
War Creek. Photo by Dave Schuba Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
Saved to My Backpack

The War Creek Trail starts out along the Twisp River, just outside the town of Twisp. It is one of the many great options for accessing the northern shores of Lake Chelan from the Twisp River Road. Although this trail officially ends at the ridge overlooking the lake it connects with the Purple Pass Trail, which descends to the shore. Continue reading

Rating
2.57 out of 5

(7 votes) Log in to rate

Hiking War Creek

The War Creek Trail starts out close to the Twisp River Road, just outside the town of Twisp. It is one of the many great options for accessing the northern shores of Lake Chelan from the east. Although this trail officially ends at the ridge overlooking the lake it connects with the Purple Pass Trail, which descends to the shore.

Start by following War Creek on its gentle course uphill through the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The route stays on the north side of the creek for its entirety, crossing several feeder creeks along the way. You will quickly begin to notice fire damage from the 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire, which burned through the majority of terrain along the trail.

At the end of this drainage, leave the headwaters behind and ascend on the steepest section yet to a pass where multiple trails intersect. This marks the end of the War Creek Trail, but many connections begin here.

Head north on the Boulder Creek Trail or south on the Chelan Summit Trail. A quick jog left, then right will put you on the Purple Pass Trail, which quickly passes small Lake Juanita, then a half-mile spur trail to Boulder Butte before dropping down steadily for nearly 6 miles on the Purple Pass Trail, ending in the town of Stehekin. With so many trails, this area is a wealth of backpacking options.

The pass also marks the end of the National Forest and the beginning of the National Park. If you want to push on to find a campsite, you’ll need a permit from the North Cascades National Park to do so.

WTA worked here in 2020, 2018, 2011 and 2010!

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

War Creek

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.3582, -120.4164 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

A $26 backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (incl. Ross Lake National Rec Area and Lake Chelan National Rec Area). Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. See the National Park Service website for more information.

See weather forecast

WTA 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 highway 20 in the town of Twisp, head west on Twisp River Road (W 2nd Ave). After 14.3 miles, turn left onto Forest road 4430. Stay straight on this for 0.6 miles before taking a slight left at a fork onto Forest Road 100 for another 1.3 miles before turning right into the entrance road for the trailhead.   

More Hike Details

Trailhead

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

War Creek (#408)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District

You can improve or add to this guidebook entry!

War Creek

22 Trip Reports

Hiked here recently?

Submit a trip report!
 
Trip Reports