Find Your Park
Road Trip
Activities
Nature
North Cascades National Park Twisp Pass (Dagger Lake) Trail
Find Your Park
Road Trip
Activities
Nature
SR 20 to Twisp Pass: 7.6 miles (12.2 km)
SR 20 to Fireweed Camps - 1000 ft (305 m) loss Fireweed Camps to Twisp Pass - 2400 ft (730 m) gain
Hiker and stock
Moderate
Twisp Pass via Twisp River Road (USFS): 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
2464 ft (751 m) gain
Hiker and stock
Moderate
The Dagger Lake Trail leads to a shallow lake set in a backdrop of peaks, and a 6064 foot (1850 m) pass with good views and excellent fall foliage colors. Day hikers approach from the east via US Forest Service trails, while the western approach is longer and usually requires backpacking. Stock parties can ride in from either direction. Fishing is popular. Hikers can explore the area around the pass, including deep and rocky Stiletto Lake to the north.
A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays. Permits are limited. There is both a hiker and a stock camp near the shores of Dagger Lake. Cross-country travel and camping are allowed at Stiletto Lake, at least one mile distant from Dagger Lake. Campfires are not allowed at Stiletto Lake--please help protect this lake basin by bringing a camp stove.
Drive SR 20 to mile 159, just east of Rainy Pass. The parking lot is located on the north side of the highway. To access the trail, cross the highway and look for a short connector trail that takes you to the main trail, Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest) Trail. This is a USFS trailhead and parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass or federal recreation access pass, available at any ranger station.
From the town of Twisp, follow the Twisp River Road almost to it's end, and park in the signed area 0.4 miles before Road's End Campground. A Northwest Forest Pass or federal recreation access pass is required to park, and is available at any ranger station.
Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States. Eastern Egg Rock in the midcoast region, Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, and Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island off the downeast coast provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.