Peak · Twisp and Sawtooth
Switchback Mountain
14.1 mi round trip4,469 ft gainVery hardDay hike: No permitOvernight: No permit
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
No permit or reservation.
OvernightNo permit
No permit or reservation. Camp at least 200 ft from lakes and streams.
Outside wilderness and park boundaries, on Forest Service land. Matched from official boundaries and trail managers. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance14.1 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,469 ftTotal climb, round trip
Summit8,320 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Switchback Mountain is a peak reached by a 14.1-mile round trip from Foggy Dew Trailhead. The route follows Foggy Dew Creek Trail #417, then Merchants Basin Trail, then Angel Staircase Trail #417 to the summit.
Heads up: the last stretch to the top is off trail.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
Forest Service trailhead: display a Northwest Forest Pass or an interagency pass (America the Beautiful).
Buy a Northwest Forest PassGetting there
The hike starts at Foggy Dew Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.