Sheep Mountain - Pasayten Wilderness

Sheep is a high mountain in the central Pasayten, just a few miles from the Canadian border. It's isolation and prominence make it a target for peakbaggers. Sheep Mountain just barely makes it onto the Washington 2,000 prominence list, number 137 out of 144. Although some make the illegal border crossing to get the peak, border patrol has increased patrols and there are even entries in the summit register from patrol officers. The approach from the south (Winthrop area) is full of opportunities for peakbagging and is really only one full days hike distance.

From Highway 20 just west of Winthrop, take the West Chewuch River Road north. Follow for 9 miles to a left on Eightmile creek road and turn left. Follow Eightmile Creek Road for 15 miles to the end at Billy Goat Trailhead. Any car should be fine.

Trail starts out on an old mining road but is pretty much trail now. Within a half mile is a trail junction, continue right. The trail steadily climbs all the way to Billy Goat Pass. Next drop 1,000 feet down the other side into Drake Creek Valley. 2.2 miles from Billy Goat Pass, keep right and now climb up a mile to Three Fools Pass. Beyond that, its another mile to a major Y intersection. Left is the main trail going to Larch Pass, follow it for 6.2 miles to Larch Pass avoiding any side trails. From Larch Pass, the trail traverses over into McCall Gulch and up to a high pass well above tree line. Another 3.7 miles of scenic hiking below Sand Ridge will take you to Peeve Pass. At the pass, it is easy off trail travel up the slopes of Sheep Mountain to the summit. The final few hundred feet are a rock hop.