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
Cooper River Trail
Cooper River Trail is a 10.9 km moderate trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that sees moderate traffic. This hike isn’t one you do for huge mountain vistas. Rather, it’s perfect for a quiet, reflective day beside a lovely alpine river full of trout. You’ll hike along the river to Cooper Lake, where there’s a campground. This is also a great trail for birdwatchers.
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Nahavo Peak Hike
Navaho Peak is a beautiful hike, offering wide-open views of the Stuart Range and the forest beyond. It’s a hard trail that’s nearly 20.9 km long and there’s a fair amount of elevation gain to earn, particularly near the midpoint of the hike. Come prepared for a bigger day with plenty of camera-worthy moments.
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Eightmile Lake Trail
Eightmile Lake Trail is a 11.6 km hike in the Enchantments that is rated as moderate. This hike is suitable for most levels and rewarding for all with its picturesque mountain-clad lake. The beginning of the hike requires a bit more effort but the route levels out after that, making it smooth sailing to the lake.
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Manastash Lake Trail
The Manastash Lake Trail is a 6.4 km hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is moderately difficult. The trail is easy to follow and leads you to a very pretty lake. Watch out for dirt bikers on this hike and remember to keep dogs leashed. When the larches go gold, this hike is especially beautiful. Expect light traffic on this route.
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Wedge Mountain Trail
The Wedge Mountain Trail is a 4.8 km hike that might feel quite a bit longer thanks to the elevation gain packed into its relatively short distance. This hike is straight up with a bit of light scrambling near the top, so we recommend against hiking with children until you’ve scoped it out. Download your GPS route ahead of time because there are some animal trails that may be confusing.
You’ll need a high-clearance, very capable vehicle for the road to the trailhead. Many users end up parking a mile or more from the trailhead and hiking in due to the condition of the road.
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Silver Falls Trail
Silver Falls Trail is a delightful hike suitable for the whole family. It takes you into a fascinating canyon with a waterfall so close you can touch it. The way up is all stairs, so while it’s not a very long hike, you will need to be able to climb lots and lots of steps to get there. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Lake Augusta Trail
Lake Augusta Trail is a 20.9 km out and back route in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is only recommended for very fit, experienced hikers. The trip to the lake and back can be done in a day by those who are prepared, but many choose to break this difficult trail up over two days. Expect light traffic, blowdown, and stellar views.
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Mount Maude via Phelps Creek Trail
Mount Maude via Phelps Creek Trail is a considerably challenging trail, with both demanding elevation gain and a Class II scramble to finish it off. This hike is almost 24.1 km long with over 1,829 m of elevation gain to complete. The views of the nearby peaks are splendid, including Seven Fingered Jack right beside you. Expect light traffic on this route.
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Cashmere Mountain Hike
Cashmere Mountain is a 26.9 km trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that is best suited for the experienced hiker. This trail can be done as a long day hike or a backpacking trip. Be prepared for a lot of elevation gain and some scrambling required to reach the saddle and summit. The trail sees light traffic and can be a bit hard to follow at certain points, so download your GPS track ahead of time.
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Little Giant Pass Hike
Little Giant Pass is a 13.7 km hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is tough, but it’s kept interesting with lots of varied terrain. You’ll start off with a river crossing (wading shoes are a must) and then progress through wildflowers, mountain vistas, and scrambles to the pass. Both the river crossing and the scramble can be intimidating, so use your best judgement and stay safe. This trail sees light traffic.
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Bean Creek Basin Trail
Bean Creek Basin is a 7.6 km moderately difficult hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This trail leads to a backcountry camping site but is also nice as a day hike. The fall colors are wonderful and the trail offers plenty of shade for hot days. With a small waterfall en route and mountain views, it’s a pleasant moderately trafficked trip.
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Seven Fingered Jack Hike
Seven Fingered Jack is a hike suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable with loose rocky scrambles that lack a defined trail. It’s a 19.8 km hike with hefty vertical gain and it only sees light traffic. If this trail seems like too much, try nearby Mount Maude, which is still a tough hike but offers more manageable scrambles.
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Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail
Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail is a hard hike with varied scenery. The trail is 10.5 km long with a hefty amount of elevation gain required. There are streams, waterfalls, and mountain vistas to entertain you as you go. Expect some rocky, loose sections near the top. Backpackers can take advantage of the camping at Bean Creek. If you want to camp or hike this area without the big ascent, try the Bean Creek Basin Trail.
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Ascending Plain Trail
Ascending Plain Trail is a 4.5 km hike that sees light traffic. Don't underestimate this trail based on the distance, though. This route is a bit precarious, with very steep sections that are quite exposed. Poles are a must on this hike. The views are nice and mostly feature the forest.
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Steliko Lookout Trail
Steliko Lookout Trail is a pleasant moderate hike to a lookout over Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is very easy to follow thanks to a clear, wide trail, and there’s not much traffic to contend with. The footing is mostly gravel. Note that there isn’t much shade on this trail, so prepare accordingly for hot days.
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Cady Ridge Trail
Cady Ridge Trail is an 19.0 km out and back trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee ational Forest. This trail is moderately trafficked and rated as hard. The path is quite narrow and rocky in spots, making it unsuitable for smaller children. Keep an eye out for thru-hikers near the PCT connections.
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Poet Ridge Hike
Poet Ridge is a moderate hike with impressive views. This trail is for the 6.1 km out and back trip along the ridge and back, but you can go further to the top of Poe Mountain if you’d like. The first section of trail is somewhat unremarkable, but then the views open up. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Icicle Ridge via Fourth of July Creek Trail
Icicle Ridge Trail is a grind, and the approach via Fourth of July Creek isn’t any different than the traditional Icicle Ridge Trail. 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 17.1 km hike is moderately trafficked. If you can, try to plan this hike when the fall colors are at their best.
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Thunder Mountain Hike
Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail is a stellar hike, sometimes ranked by users as one of their favorites in the state. This 20.3 km trail is rated as hard and poles are recommended. Microspikes are also recommended near shoulder season. Expect light to moderate traffic.
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Black Jack Ridge Trail
Black Jack Ridge Trail is a 20.6 km challenging hike that leads you across a ridge to Bootjack Mountain and just underneath Highchair Mountain. This hike gains 2,085 m of elevation, so it goes without saying that you’ll need to be in excellent shape to take it on. Additionally, you may wish to bring crampons and an ice axe to navigate the snowfields that stick around well into the summer. Expect light traffic on this trail.