Hiking & Trails in Chelan County

Where to hike

Chelan County offers an array of hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. From leisurely strolls along scenic lakeshores to challenging climbs up mountain peaks, there is something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best hiking trails across the county, including information on fees, permits, parking, facilities, and whether they are dog and kid-friendly.

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is surrounded by trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

  • Chelan Lakeshore Trail:
    • Description: This 17-mile trail runs along the north shore of Lake Chelan from Prince Creek to Stehekin. It offers stunning lake views and is accessible via boat.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Accessible by boat from Stehekin or Fields Point Landing.
    • Facilities: Limited facilities, plan accordingly.
    • Fees/Permits: Free, but requires boat access. Discovery Pass for parking at Fields Point Landing.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, and suitable for kids.
    • Season: Best in spring and fall.
    • More Info: Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail
  • To start this hike, take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan or Fields Point to Stehekin, a remote mountain hamlet accessible only by hiking, boating, or flying. The Lakeshore Trail is ideal for those with a tent and a few days to explore the scenic area around the nation’s third-deepest lake.
  • Echo Ridge Summer Trails:
    • Description: A network of trails totaling over 25 miles, offering panoramic views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. The trails range from easy to highly technical single tracks, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Trailhead: Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area, about 10 miles from Chelan.
    • Facilities: Parking available, restrooms at the trailhead.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Echo Ridge Summer Trails
  • Elephant’s Head & Chelan Butte:
    • Description: This hike starts from downtown Chelan and offers stunning views of Lake Chelan, the gorge, and the Columbia River. The initial climb to Elephant’s Head is steep but rewarding.
    • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    • Trailhead: Near downtown Chelan.
    • Facilities: Limited parking, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, and suitable for older kids.
    • More Info: Chelan Butte
  • Little Bear Trail:
    • Description: A 2.3-mile roundtrip hike suitable for all ages, weaving through the lush greenery of Lake Chelan State Park and offering views of the lake.
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trailhead: Lake Chelan State Park.
    • Facilities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas.
    • Fees/Permits: Discover Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Little Bear
  • Pot Peak:
    • Description: This 9.5-mile hike is a real workout with steep climbs, offering spectacular views from the top.
    • Difficulty: Strenuous
    • Trailhead: Near Snowberry Bowl campground.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, not recommended for young children due to difficulty.
    • More Info: Pot Peak
  • Stormy Mountain:
    • Description: A family-friendly 1.5-mile hike with fantastic views of Lake Chelan from the top.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Accessible from 25-Mile Creek Road.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Stormy Mountain

For more detailed information on these trails, visit Lake Chelan Hiking.

Wenatchee

Wenatchee provides access to several beautiful hiking trails, particularly in the Wenatchee National Forest.

  • Saddle Rock Trail:
    • Description: A popular local hike that offers sweeping views of Wenatchee and the Columbia River. The trail is about 2.5 miles round trip.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Located at the Saddle Rock Gateway, Wenatchee.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Saddle Rock
  • Sage Hills:
    • Description: This trail system offers beautiful wildflower displays in the spring and great views of the Wenatchee Valley. The network provides various route options.
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Trailhead: Day Drive or Horse Lake Road.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Sage Hills
  • Horse Lake Trailhead:
    • Description: This trail offers stunning views of the Wenatchee Valley and wildflower meadows. Multiple trails start here, including the Homestead Trail.
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Trailhead: End of Horse Lake Road.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Horse Lake Trailhead
  • Squilchuck State Park:
    • Description: Offers hiking trails through forested areas with opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park also serves as a trailhead for some backcountry routes.
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Trailhead: Squilchuck State Park.
    • Facilities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas.
    • Fees/Permits: Discover Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Squilchuck State Park
  • Devil’s Gulch:
    • Description: A popular trail for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering a variety of landscapes over its 22-mile length. Not recommended for summer as it can be extremely hot.
    • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    • Trailhead: Mission Creek Road, Cashmere.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, not recommended for young children due to length and difficulty.
    • More Info: Devil’s Gulch
  • Clara and Marion Lakes Trail:
    • Description: A beautiful hike that leads to two alpine lakes, perfect for a summer hike.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Near Squilchuck State Park.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Clara and Marion Lakes Trail

For more detailed information on these trails, visit Wenatchee Hiking.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is renowned for its alpine hiking trails that offer breathtaking mountain views.

  • Icicle Ridge Trail:
    • Description: This trail offers a challenging climb with rewarding views of the Leavenworth Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail is about 4 miles one way.
    • Difficulty: Strenuous
    • Trailhead: Located off Icicle Creek Road, Leavenworth.
    • Facilities: Limited parking, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, not recommended for young children due to difficulty.
    • More Info: Icicle Ridge Trail
  • Waterfront Park Trail:
    • Description: A leisurely trail along the Wenatchee River, perfect for families and those looking for a gentle hike. The loop is about 2 miles.
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trailhead: Downtown Leavenworth.
    • Facilities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Waterfront Park Trail
  • Icicle Gorge Trail:
    • Description: A scenic trail along Icicle Creek, providing stunning views of the gorge, wildflowers, and the surrounding forest. The loop is about 4.2 miles.
    • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
    • Trailhead: Icicle Gorge Trailhead, Icicle Creek Road.
    • Facilities: Parking available, restrooms at the trailhead.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Icicle Gorge Trail

More information can be found at leavenworth.org/recreation-spring-summer-fall

Entiat

Entiat provides access to remote and scenic hiking trails.

  • Entiat River Trail:
    • Description: This trail follows the Entiat River and offers beautiful views, wildflower meadows, and access to high mountain passes. The trail is about 18 miles long.
    • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
    • Trailhead: Cottonwood Trailhead, Entiat Valley Road.
    • Facilities: Parking available, no restrooms.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, dog-friendly on a leash, suitable for older kids.
    • More Info: Entiat River Trail
  • Silver Falls Trail:
    • Description: A short trail leading to the scenic Silver Falls. The loop trail is about 1.5 miles.
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trailhead: Silver Falls Campground, Entiat.
    • Facilities: Parking, restrooms at the campground.
    • Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Silver Falls Trail

Stehekin

Stehekin, accessible only by boat, plane, or hiking, offers remote and pristine hiking experiences.

  • Rainbow Loop Trail:
    • Description: A scenic loop trail that offers beautiful views of the Stehekin Valley and Lake Chelan. The loop is about 4.4 miles.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Near Stehekin Landing.
    • Facilities: Limited facilities, plan accordingly.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Rainbow Loop Trail
  • Stehekin River Trail:
    • Description: This trail follows the Stehekin River and provides access to several beautiful spots along the river. The trail is about 7 miles one way.
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trailhead: Harlequin Campground, Stehekin.
    • Facilities: Limited facilities, plan accordingly.
    • Fees/Permits: Free.
    • Dog/Kid-Friendly: Yes, both dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
    • More Info: Stehekin River Trail

Tips for Hiking in Chelan County

  • Prepare: Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
  • Gear: Bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and a map or GPS.
  • Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the trails clean and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife and know how to react if you encounter animals like bears or cougars.

Permits: For many trails, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or a Discover Pass. These can be purchased at local ranger stations, such as the Confluence Campground Ranger Office, or at local stores like Arlberg Sports in Wenatchee.

For more detailed information on specific trails, including fees, permits, parking, facilities, and seasonal recommendations, visit www.wta.org and explore their comprehensive trail database.