Hiking in Wenatchee

There’s something for every hiker in the Valley!

Check out everything from favorite kid-friendly trails to high-adventure paths.

Whether you’ve got a baby in a carrier, a toddler with endless energy, or a teen ready for a challenge, this guide is your go-to resource for getting outside with your crew. We’ve rounded up the best hikes within 30 miles of Wenatchee — organized by age and ability — so you can easily find a trail that fits your family’s vibe. From stroller-friendly riverside paths to wildflower-filled hills and alpine lake adventures, there’s something here for everyone. Happy hiking!

Family-Friendly Hikes In and Near Wenatchee

1. Sage Hills Trail System

  • Location: Wenatchee Foothills

  • Distance: Varies; up to 9.6 miles round-trip

  • Highlights: Rolling hills with vibrant wildflowers in spring, panoramic views of the Wenatchee Valley, and opportunities to spot wildlife like marmots.

  • Notes: The trail is closed from December 1 to March 31 to protect wintering mule deer. ​

2. Horse Lake Reserve

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: Various trails; Horse Lake Viewpoint is a 0.5-mile round-trip

  • Highlights: Gentle trails with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna, making it educational and engaging for kids.​

3. Jacobson Preserve

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: 3 miles round-trip

  • Highlights: Rolling hills with views of Wenatchee and the Columbia River; accessible year-round and frequented by local families.

4. Saddle Rock Trail

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: 2 miles round-trip

  • Highlights: A moderate hike leading to a prominent rock formation with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

5. Ohme Gardens

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: Varies within the gardens

  • Highlights: Beautifully landscaped alpine gardens with shaded pathways, waterfalls, and ponds; ideal for a leisurely family stroll. ​

6. Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: 10-mile paved loop

  • Highlights: Follows both shores of the Columbia River, connecting multiple parks and offering scenic views of the river; perfect for strollers and bikes.

7. Wenatchee Confluence State Park & Horan Natural Area

  • Location: Wenatchee

  • Distance: Varies

  • Highlights: Flat, shaded trails wind through wetlands and along the river, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature exploration.

8. Lincoln Rock State Park

  • Location: 7 miles north of Wenatchee

  • Distance: Various short trails

  • Highlights: Gentle trails with views of Lake Entiat and Turtle Rock Island; amenities include picnic areas and open spaces for play.

9. Squilchuck State Park

  • Location: 8 miles south of Wenatchee

  • Distance: Various trails

  • Highlights: Forested trails suitable for young hikers, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and picnic areas.​

10. Silver Falls

  • Location: Approximately 45 minutes from Wenatchee

  • Distance: Varies

  • Highlights: Scenic waterfalls, stone steps, log fences, and bridges; a popular family outing spot. ​

11. Blackbird Island & Waterfront Park

  • Location: Leavenworth

  • Distance: Varies

  • Highlights: Flat trails along the Wenatchee River with interpretive signs, inlets, benches, and bridges; stroller and jogger accessible. ​

12. Icicle Gorge Trail

  • Location: Near Leavenworth

  • Distance: 4-mile loop

  • Highlights: Follows the river through diverse forests, offering views of rapids, calm pools, and surrounding peaks, with interpretive trail signs.​

13. Camas Meadows

  • Location: Wenatchee area

  • Distance: 2 miles round-trip

  • Highlights: Easy hike through a gorgeous meadow along logging roads; features endemic flowers, and is located within a Ponderosa forest.​

14. Deception Falls Trail

  • Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: Minimal

  • Highlights: This short, family-friendly loop trail offers close-up views of Deception Falls, a 94-foot cascading waterfall. The path meanders through lush forest, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. It’s an excellent stop for a quick nature walk or picnic.​

15. Dry Gulch Trail

  • Distance: Varies; multiple loops available

  • Elevation Gain: Varies depending on the chosen loop

  • Highlights: Located near Saddle Rock, Dry Gulch offers a network of trails through shrub-steppe terrain, providing hikers with options for shorter or longer loops. The area is known for its wildflowers in spring and expansive views of the Wenatchee Valley.​

16. Castle Rock Trail

  • Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 650 feet

  • Highlights: This short but steep trail leads to Castle Rock, offering panoramic views of Wenatchee and the Columbia River. It’s a favorite among locals for quick hikes and sunset views.

Tips for Hiking with Young Children

  • Safety First: Always keep children within sight and stay on marked trails.

  • Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies.

  • Engage Kids: Turn hikes into educational experiences by observing wildlife and plants.

  • Check Weather: Ensure favorable conditions before heading out.​

Moderate to Challenging Hikes for Older Kids & Teens

1. Saddle Rock Trail

  • Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 920 feet

  • Highlights: A local favorite, this trail offers panoramic views of Wenatchee and the Columbia River. The ascent is steady, making it a great introduction to more challenging hikes. ​

2. Clara and Marion Lakes Trail

  • Distance: 3.0 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

  • Highlights: Starting near Mission Ridge Ski Area, this trail leads through pine forests to serene alpine lakes. In the fall, hikers can enjoy the golden larch trees. ​

3. Mission Peak Loop

  • Distance: 9.0 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet

  • Highlights: A more strenuous hike suitable for teens seeking a challenge. The trail offers expansive views and is especially beautiful during the fall larch season. ​

4. Beehive Trail

  • Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

  • Highlights: Beginning at the same trailhead as Saddle Rock, this trail provides beautiful views of Wenatchee and opportunities to see wildflowers like lupines and Indian paintbrush. ​

5. Devil’s Spur Trail

  • Distance: 5.3 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 900 feet

  • Highlights: An exposed trail offering expansive views of Wenatchee and the surrounding river valley. It’s popular for birdwatching and is dog-friendly. ​

6. Twin Lakes Trail

  • Distance: 6.4 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: Moderate

  • Highlights: A scenic trail leading to two alpine lakes, surrounded by cedar trees and lush understory. Suitable for active children and enjoyable throughout the year. ​

7. Sauer’s Mountain

  • Distance: 6.0 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

  • Highlights: Located near Peshastin, this trail offers moderate difficulty with rewarding views, especially during the wildflower bloom in mid-May. ​

8. Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

  • Distance: Varies

  • Elevation Gain: Varies

  • Highlights: Features sandstone slabs and spires in a desert environment with views of surrounding orchards and the Enchantment Range. Activities include rock climbing and hiking. ​

9. Cashmere Canyons Preserve

  • Distance: Up to 12.0 miles of trails

  • Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

  • Highlights: Offers a network of trails through rolling hills with expansive views of the nearby Enchantments. Suitable for day hikes and nature exploration. ​

10. Olalla Canyon

  • Location: Near Cashmere, WA (~20 minutes from Wenatchee)

  • Type: Rural canyon with forest service roads, rugged terrain, and access to wild, less-trafficked trails

  • Best For: Nature lovers, solitude seekers, and experienced hikers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path terrain

11. Hidden Lake Trail

  • Distance: 4.5 miles one-way to the overlook; an additional 0.8 miles to the lake

  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,900 feet

  • Highlights: This challenging trail leads hikers through diverse terrains, including forests, wildflower meadows, and alpine rock gardens, culminating in panoramic views of Hidden Lake and surrounding peaks. The trail is known for its scenic beauty and the historic Hidden Lake Lookout at the summit.​

12. Hamilton Grave Trail

  • Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: Around 1,000 feet

  • Highlights: This lesser-known trail offers a moderate hike through forested areas to the historic Hamilton family grave site. It’s a peaceful route with opportunities for solitude and reflection, offering views of the surrounding landscape.​

13. Balsamroot Trail

  • Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: Around 800 feet

  • Highlights: Named after the vibrant balsamroot flowers that bloom in spring, this trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s particularly popular during wildflower season.

Tips for Hiking with Older Kids & Teens

  • Safety First: Ensure everyone has appropriate footwear and understands trail etiquette.

  • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.

  • Engage with Nature: Encourage teens to take photos, identify plants, or journal their experiences.

  • Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.

Most Challenging Hikes Near Wenatchee

1. The Enchantments (via Snow Lakes or Colchuck Lake)

  • Distance: ~18 miles point-to-point (through hike)

  • Elevation Gain: ~4,500+ feet

  • Highlights: One of Washington’s most stunning alpine traverses—lakes, granite peaks, mountain goats, and larch trees in fall.

  • Note: Requires a permit for overnight stays (in a very competitive lottery); can also be done as a brutal day hike for experienced hikers.

2. Colchuck Lake

  • Distance: 8 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~2,300 feet

  • Highlights: Jaw-dropping views of Colchuck Lake and Dragontail Peak. A very popular trail that’s steep, rocky, and rewarding.

  • Tip: Arrive early to secure parking at the Stuart Lake Trailhead.

3. Stuart Lake

  • Distance: 9.0 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet

  • Highlights: Quieter than Colchuck, with beautiful forested paths and a lake framed by dramatic peaks.

4. Eightmile Lake

  • Distance: 6.6 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet

  • Highlights: A more moderate alpine hike, but still a steady climb—great as a warm-up to tougher hikes like Colchuck.

5. Icicle Ridge Trail

  • Distance: Up to 10 miles round-trip (more if you go beyond the first lookout)

  • Elevation Gain: ~1,800–4,000+ feet

  • Highlights: Steep switchbacks from Leavenworth lead to stunning ridge views of the Valley, Stuart Range, and Tumwater Canyon.

6. Chiwaukum Creek Trail

  • Distance: 14 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~2,100 feet

  • Highlights: Long forested hike that opens up into wildflower meadows and mountain views. Less crowded than Enchantments-area hikes.

7. Navaho Peak (via Stafford Creek)

  • Distance: ~12 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~3,800 feet

  • Highlights: Wide-open views of the Stuart Range, spring wildflowers, and fewer people. It’s a leg-burner with high reward.

8. The Fourth of July Trail to Icicle Ridge

  • Distance: 9.5 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet

  • Highlights: Switchback-heavy climb to jaw-dropping views of the Enchantments and Leavenworth below.

9. The High Traverse (Lake Caroline to Windy Pass)

  • Distance: ~13 miles round-trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~3,400 feet

  • Highlights: Remote and beautiful alpine terrain with lakes, ridges, and solitude. Best for strong hikers with navigation skills.

Tips for Advanced Hikers

  • Start Early: Trails like Colchuck get very busy—arrive before 7 a.m.

  • Gear Up: Bring microspikes for shoulder seasons and always carry a map, headlamp, and extra food.

  • Permit Required: The Enchantments (and some surrounding lakes) require permits for overnight use from May 15 to October 31.

  • Check Trail Conditions: Visit WTA.org for up-to-date trip reports before you go.