Getting Oriented
Hart's Pass crosses the Cascades on the border of Okanogan and Whatcom counties, 20 miles north of Mazama in the Methow Valley. The road sits in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, with the Pasayten Wilderness extending north from the pass to the Canadian border. Slate Peak's lookout, 3 miles further up, sits above 7,400 feet — the highest drivable point in Washington and one of the few staffed fire lookouts still in service.
Trail Overview
From Mazama, drive west and north up the Methow Valley to the Lost River trailhead area. Pavement ends about 8 miles up; the next 12 miles climb on graded dirt and gravel. The road's character is steady — narrow, with cliff exposure on outside corners — but the surface is good for the elevation. Trailers and RVs handle the climb poorly.
The pass itself sits in subalpine meadow at 6,204 feet, with the PCT crossing the road. Most travelers continue 3 miles further to Slate Peak, climbing more switchbacks to 7,488 feet. The fire lookout sits at the top with panoramic views into the Pasayten Wilderness, the North Cascades National Park, and Canada. Total drive time from Mazama is 2 to 3 hours one-way.
Points of Interest
- Hart's Pass. The 6,204-foot pass — Washington's highest. Pacific Crest Trail crossing.
- Slate Peak Fire Lookout. 7,488 feet, the highest drivable point in Washington. Lookout often staffed in summer.
- Hart's Pass Campground. Forest Service campground near the pass with vault toilets.
- Meadows Campground. Second Forest Service campground in the area.
- PCT trailheads. Multiple trailheads accessing the Pasayten Wilderness north and south.
- Pasayten Wilderness boundary. No motorized access beyond the road.
- Wildflower meadows. Late July through August. The pass is one of the best wildflower destinations in the Cascades.
Where to Camp
Hart's Pass Campground (near the pass) and Meadows Campground (a few miles below) both have vault toilets and no fees. Both are first-come and fill on summer weekends. Dispersed camping is allowed elsewhere in the surrounding national forest with the 14-day stay limit. Mazama has commercial RV parks and lodging.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Travel July through September. The road is closed by snow most of the year.
- Trailers and RVs are not recommended. The road's tight curves and elevation are punishing.
- Watch for cyclists. The road is popular with gravel cyclists and the Slate Peak switchbacks are a common training climb.
- Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers stage from the pass in late summer. Watch for foot traffic.
- Carry water; campgrounds have no potable water.
- Cell coverage is absent.
- Stay on the road. The wilderness boundary is strictly enforced.
- Lightning hits Slate Peak regularly in summer. Plan to be down by afternoon thunderstorm time.
- Contact the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's Methow Valley Ranger District at 509-996-4003 for current conditions.
