Methow Wildlife Area trailhead to temporarily close for improvements

ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE

This document is provided for archival purposes only. Archived documents do not reflect current WDFW regulations or policy and may contain factual inaccuracies.

News release

Staci Lehman, Communications 509-710-4511
Justin Haug, Wildlife Program, 509-557-5863

SPOKANE – The Lewis Butte/Riser Lake trailhead, located on the Rendezvous unit of the Methow Wildlife Area north of Winthrop in Okanogan County, will be closed for renovations from September 12 through Sept. 30.

The trailhead, managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), provides parking and restroom facilities for public use while accessing Lewis Butte Trail and Riser Lake. Improvements will include doubling parking capacity (including an ADA accessible parking spot), replacing the existing vault toilet with a new ADA accessible restroom, and adding a paved path to an ADA accessible picnic table.  

The Lewis Butte/Riser Lake trailhead is the only developed site with restroom facilities within the 4600-Acre Rendezvous Unit of the Methow Wildlife Area. It provides access to both the Riser Lake trail system and the newly redeveloped Lewis Butte trail across the road. Together they provide nearly 10 miles of non-motorized trail for mountain biking, running, and hiking through this unique landscape.

With recent trail improvements, more use is anticipated and the need for additional space is becoming critical. The limited space for vehicles results in parking along the county road, which is not only inconvenient for trail users but a public safety concern with vehicles lining both sides of the road during busy times.

While the Lewis Butte/Riser Lake trailhead is under construction, trail users have some alternative access points: 

  • Lewis Butte Trail – via the Haas Homestead less than one mile west of access area off of Gunn Ranch Road
  • Big Valley Trail (Methow Community Trail) – via Dripping Springs Road
  • Pipestone Canyon Trail – via Campbell Lake Road or Balky Hill Road trailheads.

Funding for this $325,000 project comes from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program- State Lands Development.

WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.