Wenatchee, Washington, is nestled in the Wenatchee River Valley along the Columbia River. You'll find many incredible hikes near Wenatchee that are not to be missed!
Whether you live in the local area or are visiting from out of town, there is more than one hike near Wenatchee that will match what you're looking for.
The area is known for expansive views, wildflowers, several great mountain biking options, and interesting, isolated rock formations. Explore the hikes below, and let us know what you think!
Map of Hikes Near Wenatchee
Use the map below to navigate to any of the trailheads for these great hikes:
No list of hikes near Wenatchee would be complete without mentioning Saddle Rock. It is a staple of the Wenatchee skyline that you can see throughout much of the city, especially in East Wenatchee.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.5 miles | 1,000 feet | 2 hours | 3/10 |
On any given day, you'll find yourself in good company as you climb to its near summit at 2,228’. The trailhead is only five minutes from downtown Wenatchee and is, therefore, incredibly popular with hikers, runners, and visiting tourists.
There is no permit required to park at the Saddle Rock trailhead, which is also known as the Dry Gulch Trail Head. During the hike, you'll gain around 1000 feet in elevation and walk 2.5 miles. Most people take about two hours to complete the hike, but you may want to stay on the trail for longer, enjoying the beautiful scenery and incredible views.
The Castle Rock Trail to the summit of the Castle Rock formation is another very popular hike in Wenatchee itself. The trailhead is at the end of Castlerock Avenue and is easily accessible from downtown Wenatchee.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
1.8 miles | 650 ft | 1 hr and 30 mins | 3/10 |
The trail requires 650 feet in elevation gain and 1.8 miles of walking. It should only take you about an hour and a half to complete.
While no permit is required to park at the Castle Rock Trailhead, it is at the end of Castlerock Avenue, meaning that parking is somewhat limited. There are several different ways to the summit, some easier than others, but our paths are visible and easy to follow. Make sure you take a trail around the back of the castle rock formation before walking towards the summit. And stay back from the edge; the rock is loose!
Twin Peaks Hiking Trail
The Twin Peaks hike, sometimes known as Horse Lake Mountain, is an 8-mile trek in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It’s considered moderately difficult as there are around 2,000 feet of elevation gain overall.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
8 miles | 2,000 feet | 4 hours | 3/10 |
The area is populated with a variety of trails, sometimes making the specific paths to twin peaks difficult to find. Keep on the lookout for flowers and mountain bikers. This trail is particularly nice in the summer as it's one of the only ones around Wenatchee with shade.
Lake Clara, or Clara Lake, is a popular peaceful hike near Wenatchee. It makes use I have a well-traveled trail, meaning that it's quite easy to follow. Plus, the trailhead is only 20 minutes from downtown Wenatchee. It's also possible to walk to Clara Lake in the winter.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.8 miles | 1,000 feet | 2 hours | 3/10 |
The hike requires 2.8 miles of hiking to Clara Lake, and if you want, you can extend your hike to a viewpoint at 6,056’ or even farther to Mission Peak. In the fall, you’ll be happy to see beautiful golden larches! You can also enjoy views of Marion lake along the trail if you go just 0.3 miles past Clara Lake.
This moderate hike near Wenatchee is great on any sunny day. It’s popular for birdwatching and is dog friendly!
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
5.3 miles | 900 feet | 2.5 hours | 4/10 |
You’ll enjoy an exposed trail high in the hills that overlook Wenatchee and the surrounding river valley. Keep on the lookout for wildlife, like chunky chipmunks and wildflowers. The Devil’s Spur trail should take you about 2.5 hours to complete.
Beehive Trail
The Beehive Trail in Wenatchee is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an intermediate hike.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
4.4 miles | 1,000 feet | 4 hours | 4/10 |
It begins at the same trailhead as Saddle Rock and is 4.4 miles long. The trail offers beautiful views of Wenatchee and the possibility of seeing a variety of wildflowers, like lupines, serviceberries, and Indian paintbrush.
Camas Meadows
The Camas Meadows hike is an easy 2.0-mile hike that’s family-friendly in Wenatchee. It only gains around 350 feet, reaching its high point at 3,200’.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2 miles | 350 feet | 1 hour | 1/10 |
It passes through a gorgeous meadow along logging roads. While there, make sure to enjoy the beautiful, fragile ecosystem around you.
We recommend going counterclockwise around the meadow, following a perimeter road. This side is also the best choice if you’re trying to stay out of the sun. Several endemic flowers make the meadow an incredibly special place. Plus, its location within the Ponderosa forest is an added element of uniqueness.
Burch Mountain
The Burch Mountain trail, which also provides access to Eagle Rock, is a 4.2-mile route that should take around 2 hours to complete.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
4.2 miles | 1,000 | 2 hours | 3/10 |
It’s moderately difficult but only gains around 1,000 in 2 miles. You should expect to be in the sun all day if you do this hike in the summer. It’s also possible to enjoy the hike up Burch Mountain in the winter. The trail is a well-worn road that turns into a thinner walking trail. Expect beautiful views of the city, much like you get from the Saddle Rock and Castle Rock trails.
Mission Peak Loop Hiking Trail
Mission Peak is the high point between Wenatchee and Ellensburg and rises about 6,000’ above the surrounding hills. It requires a 9-mile round trip with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain from Mission Ridge Road.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
9 miles | 2,400 feet | 5 hours | 4/10 |
The trail is rocky, and you’re going to find yourself scrambling on some easy rock. We highly recommend completing the hike in the fall when the larches are showing their gorgeous golden color. There is no permit required to park in the parking area
The Rocky Reach Trail is an easy, long trail in Lincoln Rock State Park. It begins in the parking lot and heads along the Columbia River, gaining little elevation.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
10.8 | 300 feet | 3.5 hours | 3/10 |
It’s a perfect choice for someone looking for an afternoon stroll or an easy bike ride, and it's suited for families of all ages. If you do the entire path, it’s nearly 11 miles, but most people choose to turn back early. A Discover Pass is required to park in the state park.
Did you know? The Rocky Reach Trail is named after the dam that created Lake Entiat.
Have you completed any of these hikes in Wenatchee? Let us know in the comments!