Family-Friendly Hiking at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
A Hidden Gem Near Wenatchee, WA
Hikes are one of the easiest ways to entertain the whole family for free. And living in Wenatchee means living just hours (sometimes minutes) from some of the state’s most popular and breathtaking trails.
The Peshastin Pinnacles may not have those Colchuck-esque lake views, but you do get stellar 180-degree views of the Wenatchee River — plus kids (and parents) get to burn some serious energy.
In this guide, I’ll walk (bah dum tss) you through everything you need to know about this family-friendly trail.
Where are the Peshastin Pinnacles?
Peshastin is a small town along the Wenatchee River, nestled between Leavenworth and Cashmere and about 20 miles northwest of Wenatchee. Peaks on either side of the river rise to around 2,000 feet, making it a unique little valley.
You’ll find the trailhead inside Peshastin Pinnacles State Park. There’s a large maintained parking lot, accessible restrooms, and shaded picnic tables for post-hike snacks.
Trail Details & What to Expect
Walk through the (adorable) wooden door at the trailhead and start your hike.
The Peshastin Pinnacles trail system is a loop with lots of options. You can head clockwise or counterclockwise toward the pinnacles. Either way, expect mostly narrow, sandy trails lined with sagebrush, wildflowers, and plenty of rocks to scramble on.
It’s easy to pick the “wrong” path and end up on a longer loop — but don’t worry, there’s no bad path here. If you want to stay on track, the AllTrails app is a great way to GPS your hike just like you would in your car.
Trail length: About 1.5 miles (loop)
Elevation gain: ~400 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly short but sandy inclines)
Best season: Spring for wildflowers, fall for cooler weather and golden hills
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Yes — with a few caveats.
My almost-three-year-old hiked about 97.65% of the trail on his own. My husband only carried him for a few slippery spots. I back-carried our one-year-old, and it was no big deal.
At the top, there are some flat areas where little ones can run around, but the edges aren’t too far away, so keep your head on a swivel. Big kids (and adventurous toddlers…and dads) will love climbing the rock outcroppings.
What to Bring
Before you head out, make sure you’ve got the basics covered. You’ll need a Discover Pass to park (Pro tip: You can buy one when you renew your license plates if you don’t already have one). Bring plenty of snacks and water, since there’s no drinking water available in the park, and pack good shoes for the sandy, sometimes slippery trails. Because there’s very little shade once you’re on the trail, sunscreen and hats are a must — especially for the kids. A picnic blanket isn’t a bad idea either, since there are shaded tables waiting at the bottom for post-hike snack time.
Don’t Forget Free State Park Days
If you don’t have a Discover Pass yet, you can still visit on free days each year, including:
Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes / New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Earth Day
Juneteenth
National Public Lands Day
Veteran’s Day
(and more — check the full list before you go!)
If you’re looking for an easy family hike near Wenatchee, Peshastin Pinnacles is a hidden gem. With sandy trails, big views, and lots of climbing opportunities, it’s a perfect spot to let kids explore while you soak in the scenery.
👉 Planning more outdoor adventures? Check out our guides for even more family-friendly hikes and activities around Wenatchee.
