Whistler Canyon Trail

Whistler Canyon Trail is a long-distance, multi-use route segment (#100) on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail in Okanogan County. It’s managed cooperatively by Okanogan County, Bureau of Land Management, and Colville National Forest partners, with the Okanogan Valley–Pasayten side of the corridor forming the main hiking focus.

This is a rugged canyon-and-cliff route with steep climbing early on; one commonly used expectation is about 1,250 feet of gain over the first 2.5 miles. The trail is also described as having moderate-to-hard demands overall, with some very steep sections beyond the opening climb.

The canyon is known for wildlife viewing, especially California bighorn sheep on the rock faces above the trail. Other animals reported in the area include mule deer and marmots, plus birds such as eagles.

For getting on the route, use the Whistler Canyon Trailhead on the east side of US Highway 97—about 3 miles south of Oroville. Access from Hwy 97 is described as turning east from Gavin Rd onto a white gravel road to the trailhead and kiosk near the parking area.

Whistler Canyon Trailhead sits at the public-access point for the west side of Mt Hull from Highway 97, and the main trail begins just east of the parking area, heading north before turning SSE up the hillside. The route continues up the main canyon toward Summit Lake, with longer options extending farther up the trail system.

There’s no day-use fee or permit requirement described for day visitors. The trail environment is typically sun-exposed and dry; watch for ticks and rattlesnakes during the warm-season window described for the canyon.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Whistler Canyon Trail - Washington Trails Association