45 Mile Sheep Drive

The 45 Mile Sheep Drive follows a historic livestock route connecting the Entiat River Trail to Emerald Park, climbing nearly 3,400 feet in under 5 miles. This rugged, primitive path receives minimal maintenance and demands routefinding skills, particularly through areas impacted by the 2006 Tinpan Fire where blowdowns and overgrown sections obscure the tread. The reward for all that effort is passage through high alpine terrain at 7,624 feet with sweeping wildflower meadows and open ridge walking along the Entiat divide.

The trail follows Snow Brush Creek upward, passing through shaded forest before breaking into exposed alpine country near Millham Pass and Borealis Pass. Snow patches linger in shaded areas above 5,800 feet well into July. This is a trail for experienced backcountry travelers who enjoy route puzzles and solitude -- you are unlikely to see another person on this path. Most hikers use it as a connector on multi-day loops through the Glacier Peak Wilderness rather than as an out-and-back destination.

Dogs are allowed on leash, but the steep grade and rough trail surface make this a poor choice for all but the most trail-hardened canine companions.