Lewis Butte

This short climb up a wildflower-covered butte follows new trailbed to reach 360-degree views of the Methow Valley and a horizon full of North Cascade mountaintops. It’s a great option for younger hikers or for a quick day trip out of Winthrop.

The trek begins from the parking area, walking across Gunn Ranch Road and following the trail toward Lewis Butte. Wander through sagebrush on rocky trail to the first of many wide, open switchbacks that slowly work their way up the slope. During the summer these slopes explode with vibrant yellows and purple blooms, the balsamroot and delphinium create a thick carpet of color in sharp contrast to dry browns found in the sagelands below.

There's a lot more to Lewis Butte, and you can learn all about it in Washington Wildflower Hikes: 50 Destinations. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!