Hikes in Wenatchee National Forest

Laying eyes on Colchuck Lake for the first time is a breathtaking moment. The 12.9 km round trip hike to the lake and back? Also breathtaking, but for different reasons. This is a steep, heavily trafficked hike, but it’s worth all the effort. You’ll be able to sit down on one of the most sublime spots in the Enchantments, where mountain peaks cradle an emerald lake adorned with an island of trees. It’s a fine reward for the brutal last couple of miles you’ll be tasked with. Poles and good boots are recommended.

We don’t recommend this trail for young kids, anyone with mobility challenges, or beginners, as there are some extended steep sections. We also recommend arriving early to beat some of the traffic. You can also arrange to camp on the shore of the lake, but make sure you’ve got your permit sorted ahead of time.

Mission Peak Loop is a 15.0 km hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is rated as moderate. Although this hike isn’t extreme in terms of length or elevation gain, it is a challenge when it comes to routefinding on part of the loop; Download your GPS trail ahead of time to avoid getting lost. Expect moderate traffic on this trail.

Lake Wenatchee State Park is a wonderful spot to spend a day or an afternoon, with boat launches, picnic spots, and a beautiful lake to see. Pack a picnic if you want to spend the day out, or use the park as a break on a long drive. The lake is usually warm enough for a swim in the summertime, so bring a bathing suit and take a dip if you fancy!

This 3.4 km loop is moderately trafficked and rated as easy. There are no challenges to consider when it comes to navigation or the route itself. It’s great for little kids or older family members. There are other trails in the area if you want a longer walk, but we love this walk followed by a late afternoon swim and snack on the beach.

Lake Easton State Park attracts visitors to its camping sites, RV park, amphitheater, lake, and hiking trails. Pack up the family for a day outside or use the Lake Easton hike as a leg stretcher if you’re on the nearby highway. This hike is 7.4 km long and requires very little elevation gain, making it a good pick for all skill levels and ages. You can either hike this trail as is, going out and back along the lakeshore, or you can use the trails on the other side of the lake to make a loop of it. We love this route because it puts the lake between you and the highway, offering a bit of a buffer that makes it feel more natural. You can also easily walk over from Easton to enjoy this trail.

Kids will love the unique tunnel you’ll walk through on this hike, a remnant of its railroad past. There are small side trails for lake access if you want to get to the shore. Expect lots of shade on the trail.

The hike to Lake Ingalls is a very popular adventure, and it won’t be hard to see why. The gorgeous lake, crowned by rugged mountains, is impossibly blue and a delight to sit beside. The hike is fantastic through the summer, but we especially love it in the autumn when the larches turn golden. On the way, you’ll be able to appreciate Esmerelda Peaks and Headlight Basin.

The hike is difficult. Expect about 14.5 km of distance and 762 m of elevation gain. The gain is consistent and somewhat gradual, making it more of a slog and less of a sprint.

Be prepared for the road out. It’s not in great condition and there is no reception, so having a spare is wise. We also recommend arriving early to beat some of the crowds. Note that dogs are not allowed at the lake, nor on most of the route to the lake. Dogs are permitted on the trail to Esmerelda Basin but at the junction of this trail and the trail to Lake Ingalls, they must turn around.

The hike on Bumping Lake Trail is, thankfully, not normally bumping. 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 to contend with, making it suitable for all levels of hiker as well as families. Birdwatchers will love all the birds that frequent the lake.

If you’re visiting in the summer, a can of bug spray will go a long way on this trail.

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 trail is almost 33.8 km long with considerable elevation gain. There are steep ascents, river crossings, and routefinding exercises aplenty. Come prepared with plenty of supplies and a downloaded route.

Expect heavy traffic along this route. The views are wonderful, especially as you reach the coveted but isolated lakes.

The road to the trailhead is heavily potholed and thus should be driven with care. There is also a shallow river crossing on the road, so a high-clearance vehicle is preferable. We don’t recommend attempting this trip if it’s still snowy.

Lake Valhalla is a hike that can (and should) be enjoyed throughout the year. This 9.7 km 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. Note that the winter access is different.

This trail sees heavy traffic and can be accessed from two different trailheads. This guide follows the Smithbrook Trail, which makes for a moderately difficult trip. The Smothbrook approach is also easier on kids. We also offer a route guide for Lake Valhalla via the Pacific Crest Trail. Enjoy the beach at the lake, set up camp, have a picnic, or just add this hike into your weekend for a breath of fresh air.

The aptly named Spectacle Lake is not easy to reach in a day, but it can certainly be done. This hard 29.0 km trail packs the distance in, but the trail is beautiful and the lake will make every step worth it. You can also make this into a backpacking trip. Expect moderate traffic on this route and a fairly easy trip until the last few intense miles.

There are two ways to reach the lake. This route guide follows the more direct route from Owhi Campground, but hikers looking to backpack can also try the 41.8 km approach on Mineral Creek Trail or on the PCT from north or south.

Come prepared for a big day with good boots, poles, and plenty of hydration and fuel. We recommend leaving this trip for good weather if you can.

Lila Lakes Trail is an 17.7 km hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is rated as hard. This trail 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, including Rampart Lakes and Alta Mountain. If you want to hike to Rachel Lake only, check out our route guide for that trail.

The route can be a touch overgrown in some parts, so we recommend downloading your GPS track ahead of time. There are charming waterfall lookouts along the way, but most of the trail is in the woods. Expect heavy traffic, much of which drops off after Rachel Lake.

Rachel Lake Trail is an 12.9 km hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is rated as hard, although we’d consider it to be on the moderate side of hard. This trail takes you to the shores of Rachel Lake, but it also provides access to Rampart Lakes. If you want to venture a bit further, you can continue to Lila Lake.

There are charming waterfall lookouts along the way, but most of the trail is in the woods. Expect heavy traffic, making a midweek visit pleasant. You can also camp on the lake if you’d like to make this a multi-day adventure.

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 on the shore.

The hike is great for young kids thanks to its mostly flat grade, and it makes for a splendid snowshoeing trip in the winter months. The trail to the lake was relocated a few years ago and the new trail is wide, even, and easy to follow. Expect heavy traffic, especially on summer weekends. Try to arrive early in the day if you want to beat the crowds.

Dirtyface Peak Trail is an 13.7 km hard hike in Wenatchee National Forest. This hike offers amazing views, but it’s no walk in the park to get there. Expect steep switchbacks, a bit of overgrowth, rocks, and mud. You’ll also want lots of sunscreen and water as most of this hike is unshaded. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.

Twin Lakes Trail is a 10.3 km moderately difficult hike that takes you to two lakes. This hike is suitable for active children and enjoyable over and over. Routefinding is not a challenge and there are no especially difficult sections except for some light overgrowth in spots. Expect moderate traffic.

The Manastash Ridge Trail is a 5.8 km hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is moderately difficult. While it’s not that long, it’s a bit of a stair stepper. The elevation gain is consistent and solid the entire way to the top of the ridge. Expect heavy traffic on this route.

Saddlerock Trail is a loop trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is 4.0 km long and can either be moderate or a bit tougher depending on the route you take on the mountaintop. You can either stick to the back of the peak for an easier go or venture to the front for a more adventurous experience. This trail sees heavy traffic.

Boulder Cave Trail is a 1.9 km easy hike that takes you through a cave usually inhabited by bats. This hike is easy and family-friendly with very little elevation gain to consider and a short and sweet length. Expect heavy traffic. This trail can be subject to closure to maintain the condition of the cave and prevent human-bat interactions, so check its status before coming.

Minotaur Lake Trail is a 4.8 km moderately trafficked hike that is challenging. This trail isn’t very long but it packs in the elevation gain, earning its difficulty rating. The first mile or so will get you sweating! Enjoy a peaceful lake and golden autumn larches once you’ve reached the top. Poles are a must for this one.

Icicle Gorge Trail is a quick, easy loop suitable for the whole family. This 7.2 km hike passes over unique bridges and through a vibrant forest. It’s great in wildflower season but also shines when the autumn colors appear. Expect heavy traffic on this trail, so consider a midweek or early morning visit.

Lake Stuart is a beautiful alpine lake in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness and a fantastic moderate day hike. Sharing a trail with the renowned Colchuck Lake, you could easily visit both in one go or make a backpacking trip out of it. Expect moderate traffic on this trail. Enjoy lots of wildflowers in the early summer.