Pasayten Drive

The Pasayten Drive trail was one of many stock driveways in the Methow Valley. The remaining 10-mile portion goes from South Fork Gold Creek Road to Crater Creek Road, with an intermediate access at Foggy Dew Creek Road. Along the way, it crosses three ridges, South Fork Ridge, Middle Fork Ridge and Foggy Dew Ridge. This is a motorcycle route and most of the trail maintenance is done by motorcycle organizations.

Why is it in the Hiking Guide? For hikers, the forested section of interest is from Foggy Dew Road to Foggy Dew Ridge. The multi-use Foggy Dew Ridge Trail provides a more remote experience, and views, than the heavily used Foggy Dew Creek Trail.

Starting from the pullout, elevation 2980 feet, the Pasayten Drive trail immediately heads into the forest for 0.3 miles in  a steep climb, flowered in early summer, to an abandoned road. The next 0.5 mile follows the road bed at a somewhat shallower grade. Then it’s back to a steep trail.

After 0.2 mile back on trail, note the “2” and “7” signs on the north side of a large tree over a blaze – a remnant of the old stock drive. After 0.2 mile more, reach the unmarked junction with the Foggy Dew Ridge Trail, elevation 4300 feet. Go left for the ridge and right to continue on the Pasayten Drive Trail over the ridge and down to Crater Creek Road.

WTA Pro Tip: The combination of Pasayten Drive, Foggy Dew Ridge, Martin Creek, Foggy Dew Creek trails, and a mile of road walking make a challenging 15-mile loop hike with 4500 feet of elevation gain.