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 12.9 km 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 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.
- Spectacle Lake Trail - 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 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 17.7 km 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 12.9 km 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 3.9 km 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.
Best Hikes in Wenatchee National Forest
Icicle Creek Trail
Icicle Creek Trail is a 15.4 km hike that is rated as easy. While the distance on this trail might seem daunting to beginners and families, the elevation gain is well distributed to make for a pleasant hike in the woods. Enjoy pretty views of the creek and the serenity of the trees. We recommend bug spray for this hike.
User Ratings
Spider Meadow Trail
Spider Meadow Trail is a great pick for a longer (but not too difficult) day trip or as part of a backpacking excursion. At 21.9 km, the trail offers lots of length, but the elevation gain is largely gradual and the most intense climbing is saved for the end. Cutting out the final ascent to Larch Knob makes this trail more family-friendly. Expect light traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Icicle Ridge Trail
There’s no way around it: Icicle Ridge Trail is a grind. Over the course of seemingly never-ending switchbacks, you’ll climb to a ridgetop with views over the valley below and the forest beyond. This 8.9 km hike sees heavy traffic, so we recommend arriving early. Additionally, try to plan this hike when the fall colors are at their best.
User Ratings
Rampart Lakes Hike
Rampart Lakes is a 14.5 km hard hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that takes you to the scenic Rampart Lakes via Rachel Lake Trail. If you want to travel 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 a good choice.
User Ratings
Miller Peak Trail
Miller Peak Trail offers an easily followed route to a summit with great views over Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This 14.0 km hike is rated as hard thanks to a fairly considerable elevation gain, but it’s not a technical trail. There is little traffic on this trail, so visit anytime.
User Ratings
Hex Mountain Trail
Hex Mountain Trail leads you to the summit of Hex Mountain. The trail is 11.6 km long, rated as hard, and moderately trafficked. It’s not very shaded, so prepare accordingly for sunny days. You’ll enjoy views of Cle Elum Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead can be a touch hard to find, so we recommend downloading the GPS track.
User Ratings
Lake Lillian Trail
The Lake Lillian Trail is an 12.9 km hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National forest that is rated as hard. This hike takes you just under the peak of Mount Margaret to Lake Lillian, offering interesting and changing scenery. There can sometimes be heavier traffic on this trail since there are also hikers who use this route to reach Rampart Lakes.
User Ratings
Sheep Lake Trail
Sheep Lake Trail is a 6.3 km easy trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is suitable for quick day trips or for easy backpacking trips. You can also use this trail to continue on to Sourdough Gap or explore some of the plentiful spur trails. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
User Ratings
Snow Lakes Trail
Snow Lakes Trail is a 24.1 km lightly trafficked out and back hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This trail takes you between two mountain ridges to Snow Lakes, a collection of small alpine lakes underneath The Temple. This hike doesn’t see too many users, so you’ll have a good shot at finding some solitude. Expect hard distance and elevation gain.
User Ratings
Alta Mountain Trail
The trail that takes hikers to the popular Rachel Lake also provides access to Alta Mountain, a great summit with perfect views over the surrounding lakes. This hike can be done on its own or as a side trip for those destined for Rachel or Lila Lakes. Expect a hard hike with a touch of light scrambling and heavy-moderate traffic depending on which part of the trail you’re on.
Most of this trail is in the woods, but the views open up past Rachel Lake and get more impressive as you approach Alta’s summit.
User Ratings
Schaefer Lake Hike
Schaefer Lake is an 13.8 km moderately difficult hike that doesn’t see very much traffic at all. This trail is best suited to the adventurous hiker thanks to the overgrowth it experiences. There are also sections with standing water where wading shoes are highly recommended- as is bug spray! If you can put up with a bit of bushwhacking, the lake is serene and beautiful.
User Ratings
Esmeralda Basin Trail
Esmeralda Basin is a beautiful spot, especially when the fall colors arrive. The trail is dotted with wildflowers, berries, and small creeks. This hike is 14.0 km long, moderately difficult, and easy to follow. Expect moderate traffic. There is also the option to hike Esmeralda Basin as a loop.
User Ratings
Esmeralda Basin Loop
Esmeralda Basin is a gorgeous location, especially when the fall colors arrive. The trail is dotted with wildflowers, berries, and small creeks. The mountains overhead provide views in every direction. This hike is 18.7 km long, fairly difficult, and easy to follow. Expect heavy traffic. There is also the option to hike Esmeralda Basin as an out and back trail.
User Ratings
Waptus Lake Hike
Waptus Lake is a calm, pretty spot, and the trail to get there offers its fair share of excitement. This hike is longer but the elevation gain is fairly spread out, making it doable for intermediate hikers. Note that there is a horse ford across the river that can be unsafe to cross in the early season for shorter hikers. In June, the water can be chest-deep for some. Later in the season, this tends to not be a concern. Bring wading shoes.
User Ratings
Larch Lake from High Camp Hike
If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, Larch Lake is a gorgeous fall destination, surrounded by gold. It’s a great hike in the summertime too, but this 15.9 km journey is best done when the needles change color. This route guide begins at Alpine Lakes High Camp, where you can book a cabin to stay at to provide easier access to the lakes. Expect moderate traffic on this hard hike.
User Ratings
Carne Mountain Trail
Looking for those perfect golden larches? Carne Mountain Trail sees the majority of its yearly traffic in the autumn due to the density of larches along the trail. This hike is 12.4 km long and is considered hard. Expect light traffic during most of the summer and heavier traffic in the fall season.
User Ratings
Clara Lake and Marion Lake Hike
Clara Lake and Marion Lake make for a perfect short hike. The reward payoff in exchange for the relatively little effort required on this hike is high, with two picturesque lakes and lots of fall colors to see. This hike is 4.7 km long, moderately difficult, and tends to receive heavier traffic.
User Ratings
Alpine Lookout Hike
Alpine Lookout gives you a great view of the surrounding portion of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest all the way to the very top of Mount Rainier. This 16.1 km hike is moderately difficult and sees light traffic. You’ll be able to summit Round Mountain en route to the lookout. There is no water on this trail and it can get hot on a sunny day, so bring plenty with you.
User Ratings
Easton Ridge Trail
Easton Ridge Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This 10.9 km trail doesn’t see much traffic despite its babbling brooks, quiet forest, great fall colors, and views of Kachess Lake. It does require a bit of leg-burning climbing near the end, but it’s worth the work. Do this hike either in wildflower season or in the fall for the best scenery.
User Ratings
Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake Hike
Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Colchuck Lake is one of the most visited lakes in the region, and Lake Stuart isn’t far behind. No need to pick which one to visit when you can see both on one trail! Thanks to the campsites along this route, you can also make a backpacking trip out of this adventure, giving you more time to enjoy this great trail. Expect moderate traffic on this hike. Enjoy lots of wildflowers in the early summer.
If you’d prefer a shorter and slightly easier trip, you can also visit Colchuck Lake or Lake Stuart on their own.