The Big Valley unit is 1,164 acres about five miles northwest of Winthrop between Highway 20 and the Methow River. The area is mostly flat with little elevation change. It was purchased primarily for endangered fisheries riparian habitat protection along the Methow River, but is also in the migratory path of deer moving north and south between winter ranges in the lower valley and summer ranges in the upper Methow Valley and Pasayten Wilderness. The riparian vegetation shades and cools the river for endangered salmon and steelhead, but it’s also beneficial for neo-tropical birds, mule and white-tailed deer, bears, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, mink, otter, and beaver. Several side channels in the riverine floodplain provide winter habitat for fish and important water storage for recharge of the Methow River. Farm fields along highway 20 are planted with alfalfa, cereal grains and native vegetation to increase food and cover for a number of species.
Viewing Opportunities
Birds
Birds of Prey
Eagles
Songbirds
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Mammals
Bear
Deer
Elk
Moose
Small Mammals
Other
Butterflies
Reptiles/Amphibians
Spawning Salmon
Wildflowers
How to Get Here
Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions
Access Site #1
Driving Directions Highway 20 north of Winthrop. Left on Dripping Springs Road. Follow to the left and park at trailhead.
Parking/Restroom Information Parking and ADA accessible toilet at trailhead.
Methow Community Trail maintained by Methow Valley Sport Trails Association for winter skiing/snowshoeing, and summer horse/bike/hike. Interpretive signs around 6 mile loop trail.
Other Information
Key spawning grounds for spring Chinook salmon along the Methow river.
A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass
is required on all WDFW lands. Learn more at DiscoverPass.wa.gov
The Big Valley unit is 1,164 acres about five miles northwest of Winthrop between Highway 20 and the Methow River. The area is mostly flat with little elevation change. It was purchased primarily for endangered fisheries riparian habitat protection along the Methow River, but is also in the migratory path of deer moving north and south between winter ranges in the lower valley and summer ranges in the upper Methow Valley and Pasayten Wilderness. The riparian vegetation shades and cools the river for endangered salmon and steelhead, but it’s also beneficial for neo-tropical birds, mule and white-tailed deer, bears, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, mink, otter, and beaver. Several side channels in the riverine floodplain provide winter habitat for fish and important water storage for recharge of the Methow River. Farm fields along highway 20 are planted with alfalfa, cereal grains and native vegetation to increase food and cover for a number of species.
OTHER INFORMATION
