Turn left on US-153 just before you reach Pateros and travel northwest along side the Methow River as it winds its way through the valley. The Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness is located to the west and riparian areas adjacent to the Methow River are easily found as you continue along the subalpine valley. The uppermost western area of the Methow watershed carves deeply into the Cascade peaks. Avalanche chutes and jagged ridges define the area. The upper Methow River valley is a u-shaped, glaciated intermountain valley. It shouldn't come as a surprise then to hear this stretch of the byway labeled wildlife alley--animals seek refuge in the mountainous wilderness, food and water from the river. Be diligent and watchful as you drive through this area.
Wildlife Viewing
Shrew (Vagrant, Water, Marsh and Merriam's, American Pika, Nuttal's Cottontail, Jackrabbit (Black-Tailed and White-Tailed), Coast Mole, Muskrat, Beaver, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Chipmunk (Townsend's, Yellow Pine and Least) Squirrel (Douglas, Northern Flying ), Mice (North American Deer, Northwestern Deer, Northern Grasshopper, Western Harvest, Great Basin Pocket, Pacific Jumping), Bushy-Tailed Woodrat, Norway Rat, Vole (Montane, Long-Tailed, Southern Red-Backed, Western Heather and Sagebrush), Porcupine, Northern Pocket Gopher, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Red Fox, Black Bear, Raccoon, Short-Tailed Weasel, Mink, American Marten, Northern River Otter, Wolverine, American Badger, Skunk (Western-Spotted and Striped), Deer (Mule, White-Tailed and Black-Tailed), Rocky Mountain Elk, Mountain Goat
