Distance: 6 mile loop                     Great for: Hike, Run, Bike, Horse

Elevation Gain: 325 Feet              High Point: 2,229 feet

Parking Pass Needed: None        Mt Bike Difficulty: Easy wide trail

Trail Overview: This loop is a classic for those living in the upper Methow Valley.  It traverses a winter ski trail from downtown Mazama, spending some time in fields before heading into the woods.  It’s a fine hike in early spring before higher mountain trails are open, but makes an outstanding run, or bike ride eight months of the year.

Getting There:  From the 4-way stop in Winthrop, drive 12.9 miles west on Highway 20 and turn right into Mazama.  Cross directly over the first cross street towards the Mazama Country Inn.  The parking lot is immediately on your right.

Route Description: The trail starts out at the far end of the parking lot, heading down valley.

Immediately find yourself meandering around hayfields and past the occasional house.

At mile 1.75, cross Goat Creek on a bridge.

At mile 2.8 reach a junction with the signed Fawn Creek Trail.  This trail makes a fine winter ski trail as it leads you up into the Rendezvous area, but in the summertime, it is just a series of dirt forest service roads.  There are much nicer places to explore.  Instead, bear right, immediately crossing paved Goat Creek Road.

At mile 3.25, after a swooping downhill, reach a 3-way intersection.  Making a hard right turn will bring you almost immediately to a parking area.  Going left will take you along the Community Trail to the suspension bridge across the Methow River.  Your route will take the gentle right hand turn back towards Mazama.

At mile 3.75 cross Goat Creek on a bridge.

Reach your car at mile 6.0

Going Farther:  There are two natural ways to extend your loop.  The first is to bear left at the three way intersection at mile 3.25.  This will take you to the impressive suspension bridge in a half mile.  You could turn around there or follow the trail all the way to Browns Farm 3.0 miles later. The other extension option is to complete the Goat Creek loop, and then add on the Freestone Inn Loop once you reach the parking lot in Mazama. Combining  these two loops makes a nice 10.5 figure eight journey from the Mazama parking lot.

For trail info, gear, or to pick up a map stop in to Cascades Outdoor Store. We look forward to seeing you before or after hitting the trail!

cascadesoutdoorstore@gmail.com 509-996-3480