Whistler Canyon

This trail is also a part of the developing Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail which travels east-west across Washington State from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide in Montana. For more information on this future thru-hike, visit the PNT website.

Maps. See our topo map attached generated by Okanogan County Tourism.

Access. Just south of Oroville, leave Hwy 97 at Mile 329.2, marked for the Whistler Canyon Trailhead on the east side of the highway. Start on white rock, turn go uphill for 100 yds, at a ‘Y’ go left and drive just a few hundred yards to the trailhead, a big round-about. The trailhead is primitive with only a honeybucket toilet for amenities.

Trip Instructions.
–The trail begins smooth and excellent for the first 150 yards or so, but quickly narrows and becomes a little rockier. If you’re biking, it’s likely you’ll be alternating between riding your bike and hiking it for the trail’s first portion. An old road bed is reached soon enough however, allowing for some smoother pedaling.

–Whistler Canyon Trail 100 is generally very well marked. At approx. 2 miles, a junction with the Black Diamond Trail is reached. The Black Diamond Trail is signed and in OK shape, with a little brush. For the WC Trail however, turn right and continue on.

–In 2.8 miles, the trail reaches a junction with the MacDonald Mtn Trail. For a good ride and a good turnaround point for a hike, turn left onto the MacDonald trail, which is in good shape for the first mile before it becomes a little more difficult, particularly for mountain bikers. Trail’s end is reached with a junction with FR 5255, 1.5 miles from the last junction.

— Enjoy the fun and fast descent. Intermediate riders will probably want to walk the bike down in a few places to avoid the possibility of a hard spill. Advanced riders will be able to handle these technical areas just fine.

Permits/Fees. No Permit needed.
Leave It Better Than You Found It: This should be every outdoor user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull some noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, don’t ride or walk wet trails when you’re leaving ruts/footprints deeper than ¼ inch…

Disclaimer. Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or not know all the issues affecting a route. You are responsible for yourself, your actions, and your safety. If you won’t accept that responsibility, you are prohibited from using our information.

This post was originally published on 8/14/15.