We wanted to explore around Campbell Lake and Pipestone on foot although doing this in late June is not the best time as this is rattlesnake season in possibly the highest rattlesnake area in WA. The cool spring seems to have kept them in dens as we did not see one.
We drove from Winthrop out past the Bear Creek golf course and shortly after the pavement ends took Campbell Lake road which has only a primitive road sign and bike route sign. Any car can handle it but there are places where two cars cannot meet.
The road forks at a large fenced meadow,
Lester Road.JPG
left to Lester Road and right to Campbell Lake and Pipestone Canyon (dead ends to motorized vehicles at Pipestone TH).
There is a parking area, pit toilet and boat launch at Campbell Lake. There are no trails except deer trails around the lake but pretty easy to roam as long as you watch closely for snakes.
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We saw lots of birds including many red winged black birds, ducks and hummingbirds.
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Red Winged BB1.JPG
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The most unusual flying creatures were the Winthrop smoke jumpers who were practicing parachute drops just north of the lake.
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A couple of guys were fly fishing from float boats and seemed to be having moderate success. You do get some early views of Pipestone over the south end of the lake.
Campbell Lake4.JPG
From the Pipestone TH we hiked to the gate at the lower end of the high cliff area although the trail continues on for miles ending at Beaver Creek Road. This is very popular in the winter with the locals for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The canyon views are awesome. Look for golden eagle nests on the cliffs (note the eagle soaring above the cliff on Pipestone #11).
Pipestone from Parking area.JPG
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Lower Meadow down.JPG
Lower Meadow Gate.JPG
Lower Pipestone up over Meadow.JPG
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Above Pipestone Meadow.JPG
We back tracked from the Campbell Lake dead end to Lester Road
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Pipestone from Lester Rd.JPG
Pipestone from Lester Rd2.JPG
following the upper rim of Pipestone Canyon connecting with Beaver Creek Road at the campground where we stopped and enjoyed coffe by the creek. Along Beaver Creek Road you see the exit of the trail through Pipestone. One can then follow Beaver Creek Road to Hwy 20 near Loup Loup or turn right on Balky Hill Road connecting with East County Road near Twisp.
If you do decide to hike here this summer be forewarned it can be hot. Stay on the wide, clear trails and I would suggest no dogs or closely leashed as rattlesnakes are a very real risk to roaming dogs.
BL nice report and great photos. I am an amateur fossil hunter and I'm told that Pipestone is a prime area. Did you see any evidence? One of these days, I plan to make it over there for a thorough examination of those formations. I'm told ( by more professional folks) that Pipestone is the most likely place in North Central Washington to find fossil bones and remnants of dinosaurs. I guess they haven't really found any, but it's supposed to be ' the most likely suspect terrain.' Thanks for the great TR.
"Altitude is its own reward"
John Jerome ( from "On Mountains")
0
"Altitude is its own reward"
John Jerome ( from "On Mountains")
Pipestone Canyon is a sweet spot--and rife with rattlers. There's also an old copper mine shaft near the south end of the canyon on the east side. I don't know about any fossils in the area, though.
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It sure looks like primo territory though. 
