Often used as a connector to create larger loops, the Deer Park trail ventures through an old fire area into the wild Pasayten wilderness.
From the trailhead, take the Boundary Trail and enter a forest still bearing scars from the 2006 Tripod Fire. Note how the trees are starting to silver and keep your eyes out wildlife, including porcupines and woodpeckers. Water is scarce along this section of trail and in the heat of summer this area can be a scorcher due to the lack of tree cover.
Hike along this wide, flat trail for one mile, then take a right onto the Deer Park Trail. Proceed for 2.5 mile moderate trail travels through more acreage of the Tripod Fire; lodgepole pine and some quaking aspen may have leaves along the trail.
After the relatively short mileage, arrive at a junction with the Albert Camp Trail, just below Deer Park meadow. Further adventuring is possible here, or you can turn around and return the way you came.
Deer Park
Map & Directions
Getting There
From Tonasket, take a left onto the Loomis Highway and drive 16 miles to Loomis. Here, make a right onto County Road 9425, and after 2 miles make a left onto Forest Road 39. This is signed as Toats Coulee Road at first. Stay on FR 39 for about 14 miles, looking for a spur road signed for the Irongate Trailhead. Be warned, this road is quite rough -- high clearance vehicles are necessary to negotiate it. Continue on the spur road for nearly six miles until you arrive at the trailhead.