The Castle Rock Trail in Wenatchee, Washington, is a staple of this central Washington community. No visit to Wenatchee is complete without hiking this foothills trail classic!
The Castle Rock Trail is one of the best trails near Wenatchee! It provides hikers with great views with very little work. The trail can be hiked throughout the year and is easily accessed from a paved parking lot on the west side of the city.
Parking at Castle Rock Trail
Parking at the Castle Rock Trail is obvious and well-marked.
Take Castlerock Avenue until it dead-ends on the west side of town. The parking lot features a few lined spaces, some parallel parking, and a big sign that will assure you that you're in the right spot!
Castle Rock Trail Map
Make use of this map as you hike the Castle Rock Trail and check out all the side trails you might explore as well.
Directions to Castle Rock Trail
Use the map below to get directions to the Castle Rock Natural Area where the Castle Rock Trailhead is.
Castle Rock Trail Photo Gallery
Check out these photos from the Castle Rock Trail so you know what to expect when you visit for your hike:
What to Expect at the Castle Rock Trail
Here's what you can expect when you go to hike the Castle Rock Trail in Wenatchee:
No permit is required to hike the Castle Rock Trail.
No bicycles allowed
Dogs are allowed.
No horses allowed.
Make sure to avoid any areas blocked off for restoration or private property land.
Hiking the Castle Rock Trail
The trail begins at an easy-to-find, paved parking lot at the base of the Wenatchee Foothills.
All around you, you'll see looping, intersecting trails. These are just a taste of what this area has to offer! Check out some more Wenatchee Foothill trails below!
Elevation Gain | Miles | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
650 ft | 1.8 | 1 hr and 30 mins | 3/10 |
Take the trail 0.1 miles uphill before deciding whether you're going to go left or right.
Most people take the left side (but both are good!). This switchbacks gently up the hill for 0.2 miles before joining with the slightly longer right-hand side section.
From here, the trail gains some elevation, heading around the hill in front of you and up to the left of the Castle Rock formation. This is a great place for photos!
As you round the back of the formation, you can decide whether you want to keep going and stand on top of the rocks that make up Castle Rock or turn around here.
This is a great stopping point for anyone who feels at all scared of heights. If you take the trail further, the path becomes more rocky and sandy before flattening out and rewarding you with a view of Wenatchee below. Look to the right, and you can see the famous Saddle Rock formation!
Turn around here and make your way back down the trail.
We recommend taking whichever lower trail you didn't use on the way up. If you're visiting in spring, you'll want to see as many of the beautiful wildflowers (and enormous dandelions!) in this area as you can.
FAQs
Is the Castle Rock Trail hard?
The Castle Rock Trail is moderately difficult. It gains around 650ft in elevation over .83 miles. Most of the trail is very easy terrain with only a few steeper and rockier sections. Near the top, some hikers might struggle with the slippery, sandy conditions.
How long is the Castle Rock Trail?
The Castle Rock Trail is 1.8 miles long. It takes hikers up through the Lower Castle Rock Natural Area and to the top of the Castle Rock formation.
Where to park for the Castle Rock Trail?
The best parking for the Castle Rock Trail is at the end of Castlerock Avenue. The street reaches a dead end after passing through a residential neighborhood. There are several great paved spots and more parallel parking spots along the road.
Do I need Adventure Pass for the Castle Rock Trail?
No, you don't need an Adventure Pass for the Castle Rock Trail. It's free for all visitors; no pass is needed!
Where is Castle Rock Trail?
The Castle Rock Trail is located in Wenatchee, Washington, in the Lower Castle Rock Natural Area. The coordinates are: 47.422255130456364, -120.3513552644689.
How steep is the Castle Rock Trail?
The Castle Rock Trail only ascends around 650 feet over the course of .8 miles. This may be challenging for some hikers but is generally only described as moderately difficult.
How long is the Castle Rock Trail?
The Castle Rock Trail is 1.8 miles long. But you can go further if you want! Other trails branch off from this one and lead up behind Castle Rock and into the surrounding Wenatchee Foothills.
Other Wenatchee Trails
Saddle Rock Trail: A popular Wenatchee trail that takes hikers up to the top of Saddle Rock and along a loop back to the parking lot. It gains 920 feet in elevation in about 1 mile of hiking.
Devil's Spur Trail: a phenomenal Wenatchee hike that's very well-maintained and provides beautiful views of the Wenatchee River Valley.
Clara and Marion Lakes: hiking to these two isolated lakes is a perfect 1/2 day trip near Mission Ridge.
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