Best Hiking Trails in Lake Wenatchee State Park

1 review

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Overview

The glacier fed Lake Wenatchee shimmers in this aptly named state park just east of Seattle, Washington in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Enjoy a swim, hike, paddle, or horse ride over nearly 500 acres with almost 13,000 feet of waterfront. Rent a boat, or teach your kids to swim in the shallow lagoon area. No kids to watch splash around? Grab a book and park yourself in your camp chair to take in the views of the crystalline blue lake surrounded by the Cascade Mountains. A great place to spend the weekend—or as a basecamp to explore the area.

Getting Started

The park is open from 6:30 am to dusk year-round and is only a couple of hours east of Seattle. Just make sure to reserve a campsite in the summer months, or you might find yourself out of luck. Alternately, there's a big selection of camping, cabins, hotels, and Airbnb options in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, 20 minutes away from the park.

Once you've set up camp, hike up the 9-mile Dirtyface Peak in the Forest Service land next door, or explore one of the many gorgeous trails in the area. Near town, hike the Icicle Ridge Trail or the trail up to Nada Lake via the Snow Lakes Trailhead.

When to Go

Visit Lake Wenatchee State Park any time of year, though June through September offer the best weather. Though the main campground is closed for the winter, limited camping is made available at the day-use area. For the uninitiated, this a great chance to experience snow camping with a few creature comforts like heated restrooms and warming shelters. If you're into snow sports, head out in the winter to enjoy the sled hill, or to explore the area's more than 30 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Learn more about the Sno-Park, here.

Permits

Bring your Discover Pass, or purchase one at the park's automatic pay station. Note that in the winter months you'll need to bring a Sno-Park Permit, as well as the Discover Pass.

Dog Info

Dogs are permitted on leash in the Lake Wenatchee State Park.

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Lake Wenatchee State Park Camp Loop via North River Trail and North Lake Loop Trail
★ ★ ★ EASY 5.0 mi

Neil Hunt 5 years, 5 months ago

Nice short Thanksgiving hike - an inch of snow on the ground. Nice views of the lake, with low cloud over the peaks opposite. Easy, quiet, flat, good for non-hiker family. Parking at the state park requires s Discovery Pass; you can buy an annual pass online.

★ ★ ★ ★