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Sun Mountain Lodge, the Methow Valley
and the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) offer some of
the most beautiful hiking trails in the state of Washington and
in the entire United States. Whether you are looking for a short
nature walk or a challenging day hike, we've got a trail for you.
Over 40 miles of trail depart directly
from your door at Sun Mountain Lodge. Many of these trails connect
so that you can make diffent loop hikes from just a mile in length
to over 10 miles and everything in between. It's a great way to
experience the beautiful wildflowers in the spring and the golden
fall colors.
The mile-long Interpretive Loop Trail
has signs along the way telling about the geology, flora and fauna
of the area. The 2.5 mile View Ridge/Sunnyside Loop offers spectacular
vistas of Mt. Gardner, Mt. Robinson, and the North Cascades. The
2.5 mile Beaver Pond/Rodeo Loop has shaded walking on a hot summer
day, with a chance to see the beavers working on their dam.
Further afield from the Lodge are longer
day hikes that get you up into the high country. The Highway 20
corridor offers an excellent selection of trails that are accessible after the snow melts, usually July-September. Cutthroat Lake
is a gradual 4 mile round trip to a beautiful mountain lake and
is a great hike for young kids. Blue Lake, 5 miles round trip,
is a bit steeper to a lovely lake below the tower of Liberty Bell
Mountain. The king of all day hikes in the area
is the 7 mile Maple Pass Loop, one of the most spectacular day
hikes in all the world. It offers great vistas of all the North
Cascade Mountains including Glacier Peak. Plus, stunning wildflowers,
views of Rainy Lake and Lake Ann, and perhaps a mountain goat
or two.
So stop by the Activities Shop at Sun
Mountain Lodge and get all the information for your hike. They
have an assortment of complimentary trail maps, hiking books, and the latest
trail information.
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Hiking
