Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hiking opportunties in Leavenworth

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Hiking

The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest provides more than 2,600 miles of trails for those who like to experience nature at a leisurely pace.

The Wenatchee River Ranger Station in Leavenworth has trail maps and other information to guide you. It’s always a good idea to check with the ranger stations so you are aware of conditions before heading out on a day trip. A valid recreation pass is required at several trailheads. The U.S. Forest Service offers a $30 annual recreation pass, which is good for one year from the month of purchase, or a $5 daily pass. These passes allow the bearer to park at various recreation sites and visitor centers in Oregon and Washington national forests. An interagency annual pass is also available, $80 adults, $10 seniors. The pass provides access to and is honored at sites charging fees for entrance into federal recreation areas. If you’re more adventurous and want to get into some truly pristine wilderness, be sure to check with the ranger station so you know about permits and permission you may be required to have or visit: www.fs.fed.us/passespermits

Apline Lakes Wilderness - Requires a special permit. Check with the Leavenworth Forest Service office for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit.

Icicle Ridge Trail - A bit of a steep climb, Icicle Ridge Trail offers nice views of the surrounding valleys. An excellent choice for an early season hike, as this trail’s snow cover doesn’t linger. The trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles out Icicle Road. on the right hand side. The trail proceeds through a burn area. 

Ski Hill Loop - The Ski Hill Loop provides great views of the valley on a 2-mile or 5-mile journey. Go west on U.S. Highway 2 from the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Turn right on Ski Hill Drive and proceed about 2 miles to the top of the hill. Leave your rig in the parking lot and head out into nature.

Old Pipeline Bed in Tumwater Canyon - This trail in Tumwater Canyon offers a 2-mile round trip, views of the Wenatchee River and sandy beaches for tired hikers to rest their feet. From Leavenworth travel 1.7 miles west on U.S. Highway 2 and turn left at the public fishing/picnicking area. Hike across the bridge there and head upstream.

Blackbird Island - Not a national forest trail but an excellent family choice. The Waterfront Park trail meanders along the Wenatchee River. Go west on U.S. Highway 2 from the Ranger Station, turn left at Ninth Street, turn left at the end of Ninth and drive down the unpaved road to the parking area. Signs are at the trailhead.

Dirtyface Mountain Trail - A 9-mile round trip, the Dirtyface trail offers the adventurous hiker beautiful views of Lake Wenatchee and surrounding woods.

Twin Lakes - Twin Lakes has two legs. The first 3.5-miles of the trail take you to your first lake, and then another 3/4 of a mile takes you to the second. Both lakes are closed to fishing. To find your way to these twin jewels, follow U.S. Highway 207 north parallel to Lake Wenatchee until it banks left. Take a right on the White River Road. Follow signs for the Napeequa Crossing Campground and immediately after, park on the right hand side.

Devils Gulch Trail - For a great early season trek, hikers can expect 17 miles of cliffs and hillsides, as they head up and over Mission Ridge and wind across Mission Creek three times. Leave U.S. Highway 2, go over the bridge at Aplets Way in Cashmere and turn right on Pioneer Avenue. After two blocks on Pioneer, turn left on Mission Creek Road and follow it until it becomes a dirt road. When you hit the dirt, travel on for another 2.7 miles to the turnout. The trail will be on your right.

Our recommended video on local hiking opportunities is found here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MulL8NWVzcY

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