Hikes/United States/Washington State/Wenatchee National Forest

Fern Lake Trail

Difficulty
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Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6.5-9h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
21.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
979 m
User Ratings
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Ferm Lake is a 20.9 km lightly trafficked hiking and biking trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This route is considered to be difficult but quite scenic, with the views at the lake often enjoyed unshared by solo hikers due to the extremely light average traffic. Blowdown can be a problem on this route.

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Route Description for Fern Lake Trail

Fern Lake Trail is an unbeatably calm hike, thanks in large part to the lack of traffic it sees. This route is pretty and can be used by day hikers or backpackers alike. Enjoy views of the surrounding peaks, including Pugh Ridge, Duncan Hill, Gopher Mountain, and Cardinal Peak.

Blowdown can be an issue on this trail, so be prepared to do some climbing where necessary. These tend to be the worst in the first 3.2 km where the forest is recovering from a fire. You’ll hike alongside the river for the majority of this hike prior to the crossing that precedes your final ascent to the lake. When you cross the river at Deer Camp, most of the elevation gain begins. Enjoy the views at Fern before heading back the same way you came up.

Getting to the Fern Lake Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Fern Lake Trail is at the end of National Forest Road 5606.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Deer Camp

  • When to do

    April-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Fern Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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