Pearrygin Lake State Park

Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades and four miles from Winthrop’s wild-west themed downtown, sits one of Washington’s most beloved state parks, Pearrygin Lake. Since 1964, people have visited the park to camp beneath open skies, glide across snowy trails, play in the water, and take in the expansive landscapes that define this special corner of Washington.

When the owners of one of the last remaining privately owned properties on Pearrygin Lake decided to sell, they hoped it could become part of the nearby State Park, building on a successful partnership with Washington State Parks and Trust for Public Land in 2007. In 2025, TPL stepped in to buy the property until Washington State Parks could secure the funding to add the land to Pearrygin Lake State Park. Through the owners’ dedication and a strong partnership between TPL and Washington State Parks, the land is forever protected—ensuring that the rural character, ecological health, and economic value of the landscape will be preserved for future generations.

These 24+ acres unlock the final missing section needed to eventually complete the Rex Derr Trail, allowing it to wrap continuously around the lakeshore. This means expanded recreational opportunities, improved shoreline access, and enhanced habitat connectivity in the existing 1,200-acre park. In a region where the local economy depends on outdoor access, healthy ecosystems, and the scenic beauty that draws people to the Methow Valley, protecting this landscape is an investment in long-term community stability.