Pearrygin Lake: All Content

Park overview:
Pearrygin Lake State Park is a camping park with more than 1,200 acres in the Methow Valley of north central Washington. The park features expansive green lawns leading to 11,000 feet of waterfront on Pearrygin Lake. The lake offers swimming, fishing and boating. Old willows and ash provide shade on hot summer days. Hikers can also walk the Rex Derr trail, a 3.1-mile loop through the east campground and along the shrub steppe hillside above Pearrygin Lake.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: Campground and day-use area close Oct. 29 and reopen April 6.
Parking area and roads plowed and maintained for day hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing access in winter.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Current alerts:
Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Campsite Information:
The park has 76 standard sites, 50 full hook-up sites, 27 partial utility sites (water and electricity), two cabins, a vacation house, two dump stations, six restrooms (two ADA) and 22 showers (two ADA). Two campsites are primitive. Utility sites have electricity, water and sewer service. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.Due to flooding in 2011, campsites 106 - 137 in the west campground are closed until further notice. There is no estimated date for repair at this time.
Group Accommodations:
Pearrygin Lake has two group camps:G1 (east group camp) - Accommodates up to 48 people and eight cars.
G2 (west group camp) - Accommodates up to 80 people.
To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Overnight Accommodations
The two cabins at Pearrygin Lake have the added convenience of kitchenettes. Each cabin has a picnic table, electric heat, lights, locking door and bathroom with a toilet. Showers are nearby in the park. Each cabin is 16-by-16 feet in size and is furnished with twin bunk beds, a full-size bed and small table with two chairs. The kitchen has a microwave, coffee pot, two-burner cook top, sink and under-counter refrigerator. Outside is a fire pit and a deck that is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information visit the cabins/yurts page To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.2013 camping fees:
Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).May 15 – Sept. 15 (peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $23 non-premium site, $26 premium site
Partial-utility campsite*: $30 non-premium site, $35 premium site
Full-utility campsite*: $32 non-premium site, $37 premium site
*Please note: Camping fees during the 2013 peak season are $28 for partial-utility sites and $29 for full-utility sites at Beacon Rock, Lewis & Clark and Schafer state parks. These parks are first come, first served.
Jan. 1 – May 14 and Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 (off-peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $22 for non-premium and premium sites
Partial-utility campsite: $28 for non-premium and premium sites
Full-utility campsite: $29 for non-premium and premium sites
Maximum eight people per campsite.
Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.
Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.
More about park hours
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park from April 1 through Sept. 30; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

Driving Directions
Located four miles northeast of Winthrop, Wash., in north central Washington in Okanogan County.From SR20 south:
At the four-way stop in Winthrop, continue through the intersection and follow the main street up a hill, past the ambulance garage and town maintenance shop. Proceed north 1.5 miles as the road turns into East Chewuch Rd. Turn right onto Bear Creek Rd. (look for park signs). Drive 3/4 mile to the entrance of the West Campground (campsites 86-165). Continue past the West Campground entrance to the end of the pavement (3/4 mile), turn right, and follow the paved road into the park for the picnic area, watercraft launch, park store and East Campground (campsites 1-83).
From SR20 west (North Cascades Hwy.):
Turn left at the four-way stop in Winthrop. Follow the above directions.
Park Maps
To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.List of all downloadable Washington State Park PDF maps.
Park Features

The grassy park offers lots of sunshine, deciduous shade trees and a sandy beach. It is a popular water recreation area. Colorful wildflowers predominate in spring and summer. Red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds and marmots add to the display.
History
The park was originally purchased in 1959 from a local orchardist. In 1964, the park opened as a state park recreation area, including a small camp area. Renovation and construction of the campground was done in 1972. In 2004, 94 acres, including a store, hayfield and the west campground were added to the park. A series of acquisition completions led to the park expanding to a total of more than 1200 acres in 2011, including the old Graves Homestead and ranch south of the park to the boundary and the Bear Creek Golf Course.The Rex Derr trail, dedicated to lifelong parks and recreation professional and former director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Rex Derr, opened in October 2011.
Interpretive opportunities
Campfire programs, if staffing levels allow, are conducted every Tuesday and Thursday night from June 15th through Labor Day. The park offers a volunteer facilitated Junior Ranger program for children. Ask for information at the registration/contact station.Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Auto repair • Airport • Boat rental • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Horse rental • Hospital • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood • Swimming |
A concession operated store with firewood, camping supplies, groceries, sundries, snacks, homemade pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, espresso and boat rentals is available adjacent to the park's east boat launch. Firewood is available for sale at the west campground and Lakeside Sub Shop stores in the park late April through mid-September. Wi-Fi hotspots are also available in the park. Winthrop and Twisp are full-service communities located nearby. There are medical clinics in each town. The nearest hospitals are one hour away in either Omak or Brewster. Also located nearby miniature golf, hiking and backpacking, full-sized nine-hole golf course and horse rentals.
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • 3.1 mi. Hiking Trails | • Boating (freshwater) • 2 boat ramps (freshwater) • 60 feet of dock (freshwater) • Fishing (freshwater) • Personal Watercraft (freshwater) • Swimming (freshwater) • Water Skiing (freshwater) | • 1 Amphitheater • Bird Watching • 2 Horseshoe pits • Wildlife Viewing |
The park features the 3.1-mile Rex Derr trail, a multi-seasonal trail that begins at the east boat launch, traverses a hillside up through the shrub-steppe environment, skirts the old Graves Homestead and winds its way back through the east campground. The area is available for winter sports, including Nordic skiing. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website. | ||
Events
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
| Events | ||
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| June 8 10 a.m. - noon |
Bike Safety Rodeo: Kids ages 5 to 12 are invited to the annual bike rodeo at Pearrygin Lake State Park. It's a great way to get outdoors and learn biking safety tips for family outdoor adventure. Kids may test their maneuvering skills, try out techniques for more effective riding and learn about riding in traffic. Free helmet fittings and bike inspections are available. Presented in partnership with the Aero Methow Rescue Service and supported by Methow Cycle and Sport, Winthrop Kiwanis and Okanogan Fire District #6. |
Pearrygin Lake (509) 996-2370 |
| Sept. 14 | Cultural Celebration: Celebrate the diverse cultures of Washington at the annual cultural celebration at Pearrygin Lake State Park. More information will be available closer to the event. A Folk & Traditional Arts in the Parks Program event. |
Pearrygin Lake (509) 996-2370 |
| Oct. 4 - 6 | Outboard Hydroplane Regatta: The annual outboard hydroplane regatta returns to Pearrygin Lake State Park. Hear the roar of hydroplanes as they race along the waters of Pearrygin Lake. Testing begins on Friday, with racing on Saturday and Sunday. Pits are located at the west boat launch. Hosted by the Whidbey Roostertails Outboard Hydroplace Club. |
Pearrygin Lake, west boat launch |
Boating Features
The watercraft launch at the East Campground reopens the first Friday in April, depending on snow and ice conditions on the lake.The park has a boat ramp and 60 feet of dock.
May and June water-ski and personal watercraft operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. July and August operating hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Mondays.
A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a trailer dumping permit for $5 is available at the park.
Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Winter Recreation
• Cross-country Skiing• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Snow Play
Picnic and Day-use Facilities
The East Campground has 30 unsheltered picnic tables. There is a parking area with overflow directed to boatlaunch parking. Available in the day-use area are a bathhouse, marked swimming beach, four barbecue stands, a volleyball court and a large lawn with shade trees. Picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis. There is wheel chair access to one picnic site and the bathhouse.Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Bobcats • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Marmots • Muskrats • Otters • Rabbits • Squirrels • Weasels | • Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Grouse • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Quail • Swans • Turkeys • Woodpeckers • Wrens | • Bass • Trout |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| Winter temperatures reach well below zero. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. There is an annual average rainfall of 11 inches, with an annual average of six feet of accumulated snow fall. Pleistocene glaciations formed the Methow Valley and all the little valleys which hold lakes in the area. Pearrygin Lake's waters come from underground springs and Pearrygin Creek, two natural sources. Water flows down off surrounding mountains into the Pearrygin Lake basin. | • Ponderosa Pine • Maple • Oak • Poplar • Rose • Thistle • Poison Oak • Poison Ivy |
Park photo gallery










