I have to admit that after living in the Methow for 10 years I had never climbed Patterson Mountain. Peg and I had to go to Winthrop Tuesday and decided to climb Patterson before lunch.
I loved it! Also, loved lunch at the Duck Brand.
From downtown Winthrop drive south, cross the bridge and bear right onto Twin Lakes Road. At 3.7 miles turn right onto Patterson Lake Road (the Sun Mountain turnoff), and drive to the Patterson Lake boat launch/bathroom/parking lot at 7.7 miles. A state Fish and Wildlife permit is required to park there but there is room for a couple of cars just past the lot on the left. The Patterson Mountain trail head is directly across the road and signed. It is about 4 miles round trip and gains about 1,000 feet of elevation.
Shortly after leaving the TH look back to see Patterson Lake.
Patterson Lake near TH.JPG
You weave through and around rather small, dwarfed aspen in the draws.
Aspen Dwarves.JPG
After about 1/2 mile you reach the loop.
Loop begins.JPG
The south section is more open and less steep although the north section has more shade and switchbacks. On the north route you cross the fence over a stile with a gate on the south route.
After passing the fence you will see many angus grazing. They may be curious but are not aggressive.
Cattle range.JPG
We flushed grouse and saw coyote scat but saw no other wildlife except birds. The slopes are covered with Balsam Root but by mid June the blossoms are done. The views of Patterson Lake and Sun Mountain improve as you climb.
Patterson Lake.JPG
Sun Mountain Road.JPG
At mid point you reach the spur to the summit. Your best views of the upper Methow Valley, east up the Chewuck and all points beyond come at a small bench about 2/3 of the way to the summit.
Peg and Sun Mountain.JPG
Big Valley.JPG
Storey Peak and Gardner Mtns.JPG
Upper Methow over Sun Mountain Lodge.JPG
Upper Methow.JPG
Rendezvous northeast from summit.JPG
Rendezvous and Isabella Ridge .JPG
There is a cistern and cattle watering tank north of the summit and good views from the summit
Last Chance, Robinson & Goat Peak.JPG
Mazama and Beyond.JPG
Chewuch.JPG
Chewuch upper.JPG
Storey Pk and Gardner Mtns over Thompson Ridge.JPG
Winthrop from summit.JPG
Winthrop SE from summit.JPG
with a jeep track continuing to the south end of the mountain.
A gate there is closed but not locked. Take care to close it properly so the cattle do not get out.
At the south end one gets the best views of Moccasin Lake, Twisp, Elbow Coulee and the Sawtooth Ridge mountains.
Moccasin Lake.JPG
Moccasin Lake & Twisp.JPG
Elbow Coulee Rd .JPG
Moccasin Lake close up.JPG
Winthrop SE from summit.JPG
Twisp and McClure Mtn.JPG
Sawtooths over Thompson Ridge.JPG
To the west 3 AM and Midnight Mountains peek over Thompson Ridge with Storey Peak and the Gardner Mountains to the north end of the ridge.
3 AM & Midnight Mtns..JPG
Storey Pk and Gardner Mtns over Thompson Ridge.JPG
This is a great trip to become acquainted with the upper Methow Valley and whet your appetite for other hikes in all directions.
Whoa, San Antonio!
Yes, you really want to be here now.
99 degrees predicted there tomorrow. We should hit upper 70s tomorrow.
At least we both will have low humidity.
I always tell people that the area around Winthrop reminds me of the Fort Davis area in West Texas. I have fond memories of hiking there with my sons 35-40 years ago. The snow on the surrounding peaks does not last as long though.
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Also, loved lunch at the Duck Brand. 
From downtown Winthrop drive south, cross the bridge and bear right onto Twin Lakes Road. At 3.7 miles turn right onto Patterson Lake Road (the Sun Mountain turnoff), and drive to the Patterson Lake boat launch/bathroom/parking lot at 7.7 miles. A state Fish and Wildlife permit is required to park there but there is room for a couple of cars just past the lot on the left. The Patterson Mountain trail head is directly across the road and signed. It is about 4 miles round trip and gains about 1,000 feet of elevation.
Shortly after leaving the TH look back to see Patterson Lake.
Yes, you really want to be here now. 
We should hit upper 70s tomorrow. 
