Methow Valley

The Methow Valley was ablaze with wildfires. Power was interrupted and several towns were evacuated, including Winthrop. And, all highways out were closed. So, I delayed going for a few days. And then, the rains came.

Mountains in the clouds

North Cascades Mountains

Stopped at Rainy Pass and hiked out to see Rainy Lake and Waterfalls. An easy paved trail took me through the forest in a light rain, and past a small cascading stream.

Waterfall cascading into lake

Rainy Lake & Waterfall

Creek tumbling through pine trees

Stream near Rainy Lake

Then, I pulled into the Washington Pass Overlook that was supposed to have a view of Liberty Bell Peak and Early Winter Spires. But, the clouds were so dense I couldn’t see anything beyond the parking area.

River, pines, mountain

Methow River

It was getting late, so I stopped at Lone Fir Campground for overnight. And, it continued to rain through most of the night, and into the next morning. Good to control the wildfires.

(Winthrop WA)
Stopped in Winthrop to check it out, but not much happening there. A few shops were open using generators and the smell of smoke still lingered in the air. Hopefully, they will make it through the summer.

Old buildings in little town

Winthrop

River rapids and trees

Chewuch River

(Twisp WA)
Passing through Twisp, I saw a lot of forest, power company and firefighting equipment. It was obviously operating in emergency mode. As I left the valley, on Hwy-20, I passed through numerous burned out areas.

I had planned to boondock near Winthrop and Twisp. Sadly, the wildfires ruined that plan. When I heard the highway had been reopened, after three days of rain, I felt compelled to make an early exit.

Camp: Okanogan NF-Lone Fir CG
Scene: Mountains, creek, river, lake, waterfalls

6 Responses to Methow Valley

  1. J. RICHARD SECOR August 10, 2014 at 8:36 pm #

    Nice blog post and some very nice photos

    • Pleinguy August 13, 2014 at 7:52 pm #

      Thanks for saying so Dick. Hope all is well with you.

  2. Dizzy-Dick August 10, 2014 at 10:38 pm #

    Wild fires are ugly and dangerous. It takes Mother Nature quite awhile to cover up the damage and grow more trees. Was it lightning or humans that caused it?

    • Pleinguy August 13, 2014 at 7:53 pm #

      These were caused by lightning. Being in such rugged terrain made it very difficult to manage. Yes, there were some ugly areas I passed through.

  3. Upriverdavid August 12, 2014 at 4:21 am #

    I hope Lone Fir was swell for you, even next to the highway..If you come through again stop at Klipchuck C.G…It is about 1 mile from the road and is much more quiet. Plenty of sites, clear sky views, and any size will fit.
    David

    • Pleinguy August 13, 2014 at 7:54 pm #

      Thanks for the tip. I had considered Klipchuck, but it was late. Plus, with the rain and clouds, I doubt there would have been much of a view.

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