

hikes in Wenatchee National Forest
With over 1.7 million acres of forest to explore in Washington’s Wenatchee National Forest, you might want a hand choosing the best hiking trails to enjoy. With hundreds of miles of trails that range from beginner-friendly to experts only, you’ll be able to fine-tune your distance, elevation gain, and scenery for the best possible trip. No matter which trail you choose, expect to enjoy the defining scenery of the Wenatchee National Forest: endless lush forest, mountain summits, babbling rivers, and bright blue lakes.
If you’re keen to diversify your visit, remember that many trails are also horse and bike-friendly and that many lakes offer great fishing. There are backcountry camping spots too numerous to name and many well-equipped frontcountry sites to take advantage of. Spend a day or spend a few- there’s so much to do in the gorgeous Wenatchee National Forest!
15 Incredible Hikes in the Wenatchee National Forest
As a starting point for your planning, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of our favorite hikes in the Wenatchee National Forest. These hikes cover every corner of this forest, but remember, there are plenty of trails to try out on the Okanogan National Forest side, too! You’ve got options no matter which part of the park you’re in.
Our top hikes in the Wenatchee National Forest include beginner hikes, intermediate hikes, and high difficulty trails. Tailor your adventures to your skill level and go as far or high as you please! While starting with these 15 hikes is a great way to experience the region, remember that we’ve got many, many more route guides in Wenatchee National Forest, Okanogan National Forest, and Washington if you want to keep exploring.
- Colchuck Lake Trail - Laying eyes on Colchuck Lake for the first time is a breathtaking moment. The 8.0mi round trip hike to the lake and back is very popular. This is a steep, heavily trafficked hike, but it’s worth all the effort. You’ll be able to experience one of the most stellar spots in the Enchantments, where mountain peaks cradle an emerald lake adorned with an island of trees.
- Lake Wenatchee North - Lake Wenatchee State Park is a great spot to spend a day or an afternoon, with boat launches, picnic spots, and a beautiful lake to see. This easy hike is the perfect precursor to a swim or a picnic on the lakeshore with family.
- Lake Easton - Lake Easton State Park attracts visitors to its camping sites, RV park, amphitheater, lake, and hiking trails. The Lake Easton hike can be enjoyed as a leg stretcher if you’re on the nearby highway or as part of a day in the park. This hike is 4.6 miles long and requires very little elevation gain, making it a good choice for all skill levels and ages.
- Lake Ingalls Trail - The hike to Lake Ingalls is a very popular adventure, and it won’t be hard to see why. The beautiful blue lake is crowned by mountains, making for an irresistible scene. The hike is fantastic through the summer, but we especially love it in the autumn when the larches turn golden.
- Bumping Lake Trail - The hike on Bumping Lake Trail is an ideal pick for a quieter day. You’ve got a good chance of enjoying a bit of peace and quiet if you’re here early in the day. It’s a very relaxing hike with little elevation gain required making it suitable for all levels as well as families.
- Marmot Lake and Jade Lake - Marmot Lake and the further-out Jade Lake are hefty objectives in a day, but it can be done. More likely, you may wish to make use of the various campsites on the trail to stretch this trek into a backpack. The lakes are sublime and the route is exciting and varied.
- Lake Valhalla Trail - Lake Valhalla is a hike that can (and should) be enjoyed throughout the year. This 6.0mi moderate trail has something new to offer with every season: wildflowers in the early summer, berries in the late summer, autumn colors, and a wintry wonderland once the snow falls.
- Spectacle Lake Trail - The aptly named Spectacle Lake is not easy to reach in a day, but it can certainly be done. This hard 18.0mi trail isn’t for the faint of heart, but the trail is beautiful and the lake will make every step worth it. You can also make this into a backpacking trip for a longer adventure.
- Lila Lakes Trail - Lila Lakes Trail is an 11.0mi hike that takes you to the shores of Rachel Lake, Lila Lake, and the small lakes that surround Lila Lake. There are lots of side trips off the main trail that can length your adventure if you’re in an exploring mood, or you can hoof it straight to beautiful Lila.
- Rachel Lake Trail - Rachel Lake Trail is a hard 8.0mi hike that draws lots of visitors thanks to its beautiful scenery and great camping spots. Relax aside Rachel Lake, where there’s often swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking happening simultaneously.
- Hidden Lake Trail - Hidden Lake is a small lake just above the shores of Lake Wenatchee that can be reached on an easy, short trail. It’s a family-friendly hike that can be extended if you want to head down to Lake Wenatchee or to the Glacier View Campground beside the lake.
- Dirtyface Peak - Dirtyface Peak Trail is a hike that offers amazing views over Lake Wenatchee and the surrounding mountains, but it takes a considerable amount of effort to reach the top. Be prepared for steep sections, rocky, mud, and hot sun on clear days. The reward will be there, we promise!
- Lake Stuart - Lake Stuart is a gorgeous alpine lake in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It’s a wonderful place to spend some time, and the perk of this difficult hike is that you can easily add on a trip to popular Colchuck Lake for a real double-whammy.
- Alta Mountain - The trail that leads you up Alta Mountain is a delight, not just for the summit views but for the ease of access to Rachel Lake, Rampart Lakes, and Lila Lakes. If you’re here for just a day, the mountain is an excellent goal. If you can spare some time, a backpacking trip on this trail is a great adventure.
- Old Pipeline Bed Trail - The Old Pipeline Trail is a quick and easy nature walk suitable for the whole family. This hike is 2.4mi long and requires almost no elevation gain. You can spot salmon in the river and enjoy the changing foliage through the seasons. It’s a calm place to be despite this being a more popular trail.
Scroll down to see the full list of hiking trails in the Wenatchee National Forest.
When is the Best Time to Hike in the Wenatchee National Forest?
Wenatchee National Forest generally experiences warm, mild summers and cold winters with lots of precipitation. While you should be prepared for rain any time of the year, visiting in the summer months of July and August tend to give the warmest, driest weather. Shoulder season (spring and fall) can bring heavier rain and snow, and winter tends to be snowy and cold.
While the summer months offer the best weather, they do also bring the heaviest crowds. If you’re okay with occasionally cooler or wetter conditions, visiting in June or mid-September can give you more privacy on the trails while still offering suitable hiking weather. If you’re hiking to enjoy golden larches, visits in late September are usually best.
Other Outdoor Activities in the Wenatchee National Forest
Hiking is certainly one of the top ways to explore the Wenatchee National Forest, but it’s definitely not the only way to spend your time here.
Adventurers on two wheels can take advantage of the many mountain bike and dirt bike paths. Those with four-legged friends can explore horse and dog-friendly trails. Fishers will find lakes stocked with trout, and campers will be able to choose from many sites. Many hiking paths can be extended for backpacking trips thanks to the ease of backcountry camping in the forest. In the winter, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers can make use of the region’s generous snowfall.
How to Plan a Trip to the Wenatchee National Forest
A trip to the Wenatchee National Forest is a worthwhile adventure, but you’ll want to put enough time and energy into planning to make sure your trip runs smoothly. You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass for most trails in the park, and some require a Discover Pass. Winter visitors may need a Sno-Parks permit. If you plan on camping, make sure you plan out your campsites beforehand and check which ones are walk-up and which require advance booking.
Some popular trails have limited parking available, so try to plan your busiest hikes as early in the day as you can. Additionally, the forest roads that service many trailheads are subject to potholes and poor conditions. Planning to have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for your time in the park is essential if you want to hike trails serviced by certain forest roads.
Wenatchee National Forest Adventure Tours
Not so excited about hashing out the details of your itinerary? Letting the pros plan your adventure in Wenatchee National Forest takes the stress out of your trip, letting you focus on your experiences. Check out some incredible adventure tours in the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Wenatchee National Forest
How big is the Wenatchee National Forest?
The Wenatchee National Forest is over 1.7 million acres, but it’s administratively combined with the Okanogan National Forest. Together, the two cover a whopping 3.8 million acres across six designated wilderness areas.
Who owns the Wenatchee National Forest?
The US Forest Service is the governing body for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Can you hunt in the Wenatchee National Forest?
There are three big game hunting areas in the forest, all in the Naches Ranger District. Please reach out to the Forest Service for more information on hunting.
Are there bears in the Wenatchee National Forest?
Yes, there are bears in the Wenatchee National Forest. Be bear aware and bear safe as you explore by travelling in groups, keeping the chatter up while hiking, carrying bear spray, storing and disposing of your food properly, and staying out of areas with recent bear sightings.
Can you swim in the lakes of the Wenatchee National Forest?
Yes, most of the lakes in the forest are safe to swim in. Prepare for potentially chilly water, especially if swimming in alpine lakes.
Explore other great hiking regions in Washington State:
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades
- Olympic National Park
- Seattle
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Or check out other amazing hiking regions in the United States.
Read MoreThe best hikes in Wenatchee National Forest

01. Colchuck Lake Trail
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Laying eyes on Colchuck Lake for the first time is a breathtaking moment. The 8.0mi Read More

02. Mission Peak Loop
Difficulty



Mission Peak Loop is a 9.3mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is… Read More

03. Lake Wenatchee North Summer Route
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Lake Wenatchee State Park is a wonderful spot to spend a day or an afternoon,… Read More

04. Lake Easton Hike
Difficulty



Lake Easton State Park attracts visitors to its camping sites, RV park, amphitheater, lake, and… Read More

05. Lake Ingalls Hike
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The hike to Lake Ingalls is a very popular adventure, and it won’t be hard… Read More

06. Bumping Lake Trail
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The hike on Bumping Lake Trail is, thankfully, not normally bumping. You’ve got a good… Read More

07. Marmot Lake and Jade Lake Hike
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Marmot Lake and the further-out Jade Lake are hefty objectives in a day, but it… Read More

08. Lake Valhalla Trail
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Lake Valhalla is a hike that can (and should) be enjoyed throughout the year. This… Read More

09. Spectacle Lake Trail
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The aptly named Spectacle Lake is not easy to reach in a day, but it… Read More

10. Lila Lakes Trail
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Lila Lakes Trail is an 11.0mi hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More
Yes, there are more than 10
Wenatchee National Forest is so beautiful that we can not give you only 10 hikes. So here is a list of bonus hikes in Wenatchee National Forest that you should take a look at as well

11. Rachel Lake Trail
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Rachel Lake Trail is an 8.0mi hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More

12. Hidden Lake Trail
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Hidden Lake is a small lake just above the shores of Lake Wenatchee that can… Read More

13. Dirtyface Peak Trail
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Dirtyface Peak Trail is an 8.5mi hard hike in Wenatchee National Forest. This… Read More

14. Twin Lakes Trail
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Twin Lakes Trail is a 6.4mi moderately difficult hike that takes you to… Read More

15. Manastash Ridge Trail
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The Manastash Ridge Trail is a 3.6mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This… Read More

16. Saddlerock Trail
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Saddlerock Trail is a loop trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is 2.5mi Read More

17. Boulder Cave Trail
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Boulder Cave Trail is a 1.2mi easy hike that takes you through a… Read More

18. Minotaur Lake Trail
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Minotaur Lake Trail is a 3.0mi moderately trafficked hike that is challenging. This… Read More

19. Icicle Gorge Trail
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Icicle Gorge Trail is a quick, easy loop suitable for the whole family. This 4.5mi Read More

20. Lake Stuart Trail
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Lake Stuart is a beautiful alpine lake in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness and… Read More

21. Taneum Creek Trail
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Taneum Creek Trail is a 5.4mi easy hike that is suitable for all… Read More

22. Iron Bear via Teanaway Ridge Trail
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Iron Bear via Teanaway Ridge Trail is a moderate hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More

23. Mount David Hike
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Mount David is a 13.0mi hard hike in Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. This… Read More

24. Lake Edna via Chatter Creek Trail
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Lake Edna is a gorgeous spot and the hike there on Chatter Creek Trail is… Read More

25. Kachess Beacon Trail
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The Kachess Beacon Lookout has excellent views all the way to Mount Rainier. This is… Read More

26. Old Pipeline Bed Trail
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The Old Pipeline Trail is a quick and easy nature walk suitable for the whole… Read More

27. Sauer’s Mountain Trail
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Sauer’s Mountain Trail is a beautiful hike that is within the ability level of most… Read More

28. Mad River Trail
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Mad River Trail is a 12.7mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is… Read More

29. Longs Pass Trail
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Longs Pass Trail is a unique hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This trail clocks in… Read More

30. Holden Lake from Holden Village Hike
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olden Lake via Holden Village is a hidden gem in Glacier Peak Wilderness. It’s a… Read More

31. Domke Lake Trail
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Domke Lake Trail leads you 5.2mi above Lake Chelan to the secluded shores… Read More

32. Mount Baldy via Domerie Divide Trail
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Mount Baldy via Domerie Divide Trail is a really spectacular hike that sees little traffic.… Read More

33. Carne Mountain Basin Hike
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Looking for those perfect golden larches? Carne Mountain Basin sees the majority of its yearly… Read More

34. Myrtle Lake Hike
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Myrtle Lake is an 8.4mi lightly trafficked hiking and biking trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee… Read More

35. Fern Lake Trail
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Ferm Lake is a 13.0mi lightly trafficked hiking and biking trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee… Read More

36. Round Mountain Hike
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Round Mountain is a 14.3mi out and back trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest… Read More

37. Rock Pile Trail
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Rock Pile Trail is a 1.1mi out and back trail that leads you… Read More

38. Lake Valhalla via PCT
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Lake Valhalla is an 11.4mi moderate trail that has something new to offer… Read More

39. Red Top Lookout Loop
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Red Top Lookout is fairly unbeatable when it comes to great views on a short… Read More

40. Tuck and Robin Lakes Hike
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The hike to Tuck and Robin Lakes is a gorgeous trip, and finishing off the… Read More

41. Icicle Creek Trail
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Icicle Creek Trail is a 9.6mi hike that is rated as easy. While… Read More

42. Spider Meadow Trail
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Spider Meadow Trail is a great pick for a longer (but not too difficult) day… Read More

43. Icicle Ridge Trail
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There’s no way around it: Icicle Ridge Trail is a grind. Over the course of… Read More

44. Rampart Lakes Hike
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Rampart Lakes is a 9.0mi hard hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More

45. Miller Peak Trail
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Miller Peak Trail offers an easily followed route to a summit with great views over… Read More

46. Hex Mountain Trail
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Hex Mountain Trail leads you to the summit of Hex Mountain. The trail is 7.2mi Read More

47. Lake Lillian Trail
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The Lake Lillian Trail is an 8.0mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National forest that… Read More

48. Sheep Lake Trail
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Sheep Lake Trail is a 3.9mi easy trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More

49. Snow Lakes Trail
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Snow Lakes Trail is a 15.0mi lightly trafficked out and back hike in… Read More

50. Alta Mountain Trail
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The trail that takes hikers to the popular Rachel Lake also provides access to Alta… Read More

51. Schaefer Lake Hike
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Schaefer Lake is an 8.6mi moderately difficult hike that doesn’t see very much… Read More

52. Esmeralda Basin Trail
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Esmeralda Basin is a beautiful spot, especially when the fall colors arrive. The trail is… Read More

53. Esmeralda Basin Loop
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Esmeralda Basin is a gorgeous location, especially when the fall colors arrive. The trail is… Read More

54. Waptus Lake Hike
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Waptus Lake is a calm, pretty spot, and the trail to get there offers its… Read More

55. Larch Lake from High Camp Hike
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If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, Larch Lake is a gorgeous fall destination, surrounded… Read More

56. Carne Mountain Trail
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Looking for those perfect golden larches? Carne Mountain Trail sees the majority of its yearly… Read More

57. Clara Lake and Marion Lake Hike
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Clara Lake and Marion Lake make for a perfect short hike. The reward payoff in… Read More

58. Alpine Lookout Hike
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Alpine Lookout gives you a great view of the surrounding portion of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest… Read More

59. Easton Ridge Trail
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Easton Ridge Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This 6.8mi trail… Read More

60. Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike
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Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes in the aptly named Alpine Lakes… Read More

61. Cooper River Trail
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Cooper River Trail is a 6.8mi moderate trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that… Read More

62. Nahavo Peak Hike
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Navaho Peak is a beautiful hike, offering wide-open views of the Stuart Range and the… Read More

63. Eightmile Lake Trail
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Eightmile Lake Trail is a 7.2mi hike in the Enchantments that is rated… Read More

64. Manastash Lake Trail
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The Manastash Lake Trail is a 4.0mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This… Read More

65. Wedge Mountain Trail
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The Wedge Mountain Trail is a 3.0mi hike that might feel quite a… Read More

66. Silver Falls Trail
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Silver Falls Trail is a delightful hike suitable for the whole family. It takes you… Read More

67. Lake Augusta Trail
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Lake Augusta Trail is a 13.0mi out and back route in Okanogan-Wenatchee National… Read More

68. Mount Maude via Phelps Creek Trail
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Mount Maude via Phelps Creek Trail is a considerably challenging trail, with both demanding elevation… Read More

69. Cashmere Mountain Hike
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Cashmere Mountain is a 16.7mi trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is best… Read More

70. Little Giant Pass Hike
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Little Giant Pass is a 8.5mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike… Read More

71. Bean Creek Basin Trail
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Bean Creek Basin is a 4.7mi moderately difficult hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.… Read More

72. Seven Fingered Jack Hike
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Seven Fingered Jack is a hike suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable with loose… Read More

73. Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail
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Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail is a hard hike with varied scenery. The trail… Read More

74. Ascending Plain Trail
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Ascending Plain Trail is a 2.8mi hike that sees light traffic. Don't underestimate… Read More

75. Steliko Lookout Trail
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Steliko Lookout Trail is a pleasant moderate hike to a lookout over Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.… Read More

76. Cady Ridge Trail
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Cady Ridge Trail is an 11.8mi out and back trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee ational… Read More

77. Poet Ridge Hike
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Poet Ridge is a moderate hike with impressive views. This trail is for the 3.8mi Read More

78. Icicle Ridge via Fourth of July Creek Trail
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Icicle Ridge Trail is a grind, and the approach via Fourth of July Creek isn’t… Read More

79. Thunder Mountain Hike
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Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail is a stellar hike,… Read More

80. Black Jack Ridge Trail
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Black Jack Ridge Trail is a 12.8mi challenging hike that leads you across… Read More

81. Prusik Pass from Perfection Lake
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Prusik Pass can be reached relatively easily from Perfection Lake on a 0.8mi… Read More

82. Iron Peak Trail
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Iron Peak Trail #1399 is a trail that allows you to just focus on the… Read More

83. Elbow Peak via Yellow Hill Trail
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Elbow Peak is a 10.8mi hard hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that takes… Read More

84. Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
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Swauk Forest Discovery Trail is a quick 1.9mi hike that is easy enough… Read More

85. Devil’s Spur Hike
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Devil’s Spur is a 5.3mi hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is… Read More

86. Squilchuck State Park Loop
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The Squilchuck State Park Loop is an enjoyable 3.9mi trail through the forests… Read More

87. Squilchuck and Pipeline Trail Loop
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The Squilchuck and Pipeline Trail Loop is a moderate 5.4mi trail through the… Read More

88. Swakane Wildlife Area Hike
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The Swakane Wildlife Area hike is a 2.9mi adventure in an area great… Read More
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