Monument Creek Trail

Monument Creek Trail (#484) is a long, one-way backpacking route in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that runs into the Pasayten Wilderness and connects to the Hidden Lakes trail. The full hike is about 25 miles one-way with roughly 2,900 feet of gain and a high point near 7,200 feet.

The approach to the route is tied to Monument Creek Trailhead, reached off Lost River Road: from Winthrop, drive 14 miles west on Highway 20, turn right onto Lost River Road (county road #9140), follow it through Mazama to the end of the paved road at 7.5 miles, then continue on gravel via Harts Pass Forest Service Road 5400 for about 22 miles; turn about 0.25 mile into the Monument Trailhead area. The trailhead sits at roughly 2,430 feet elevation.

From the start, the trail is maintained for only a limited distance. A maintained section goes for the first few miles with creekside hiking, while maintenance ends at a washed-out bridge on Eureka Creek at about 4 miles.

Beyond the Eureka Creek bridge washout, the route becomes unmaintained and is difficult to follow. Expect down trees blocking the tread for stock access, and for hikers the post-washout section should be treated as rugged, navigation-reliant travel with limited/no water availability for long stretches.

The practical upshot for experienced hikers: plan on a backcountry, navigation-focused trip into remote terrain rather than a continuously maintained trail. A wilderness permit is required, and the trailhead uses self-issue permits (free).

Given the combination of remote access, discontinued maintenance past Eureka Creek, and long mileage one-way, carry enough water for the longest dry segments you’ll encounter and be prepared for extremely limited infrastructure beyond the maintained part of the route.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Lost River - Washington Trails Association