The Sawtooths generally rise serenely from the south to fall off dramatically on their north faces. Northeast of the crest the terrain drops into the valley of the Twisp River to climb again into a subrange through which Wolf Creek runs. Numerous creek drainages have cut deep ravines through much of the area. You'll find 63 lakes, many too small to have ever been named, often tucked into scenic cirques in the high country and without trail access. A pleasant forest covers the ground below treeline, home to a variety of wildlife including bears and many mule deer.
Winters are colder and summers are hotter than western Washington.
Elevations range from approximately 1,100 feet to 9,000 feet. One of the most appealing aspects of the this Wilderness to me is lack of direct road access. All trailheads on the south side, on Lake Chelan, must be gained via a regularly scheduled ferry boat or a private craft. From the roadless town of Stehekin, the northern terminus of the ferry, the Lakeshore Trail follows the lake south for 18 miles with 14 miles within the Wilderness. Trails entering from the west first cross North Cascades National Park or Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.