It’s no secret that the beloved Wenatchee community is the perfect place for outdoor fun and adventure. After all, there are plenty of mountains to climb, rivers to ride and forests to explore and keep busy while enjoying this gorgeous slice of paradise. For those times when you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors without the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of beautiful trails in the Wenatchee region for enjoying a leisurely hike.
Clara Lake and Marion Lake
7500 Mission Ridge Road
For some peace and quiet on your walk with nature, head over to the Mission Ridge Ski Area and make your way to the Clara Lake and Marion Lake Trail. This easygoing trail is the perfect place to enjoy birding, hiking, and even camping if you feel like hanging out for a night. Of course, beautiful views will be found along the way of the lake, surrounding forest and the carpets of wildflowers dominated by waterleaf, false Salomon’s seal, and showy Jacob’s ladder plant species. This trail has been regarded as one of the more perfect trails in the Wenatchee community to tire out the little ones but don’t forget to keep an eye on the youngsters as there are plenty of side trails along the way.
Sage Hills Loop
Sage Hills Drive
If you’re in the mood for a moderately challenging during your peaceful hike with rewarding views waiting at the top, then head on over to Sage Hills Loop for some noteworthy hiking. Just adjacent to the equally popular Horse Lake Reserve, Sage Hills Loop is the perfect spot for hiking, running, or mountain biking, thanks to its bountiful rolling hills. These same rolling hills also offer lovely views along the way of the Columbia River, Wenatchee Valley and North Cascades.
For those planning to go the entire 12.1-mile loop trail, be sure to pack a bag as it can take nearly six hours to complete. Springtime is a particularly wonderful time of year to visit this trail as it comes alive with vibrant colors with wild sage, yellow arrow leaf balsamroot, Indian paintbrush, and purple lupine flourishing.
Saddle Rock Trail
1130 Circle Street
Offering equally rewarding views as long as you don’t mind the short, steep two-mile hike is Wenatchee’s popular Saddle Rock Trail. For this hike, you’ll wind up to a summit complete with rough, pointed rocks, following the trail along an old road most of the way to the top. It’s a daunting task, but the reward is well worth it because at the top awaits a perfect view of the beautiful Wenatchee city skyline. If you dare to take on the challenge of this trail at dusk, be prepared for some dazzling lights from the city to greet you once you reach the top as the sun sinks in the distance.
Devil’s Spur
7500 Mission Ridge Road
The trailhead for the infamous Devil’s Spur hiking spot in Wenatchee is just one mile before the Mission Ridge Ski Area and ends at Beehive Trail, where it crosses the Liberty-Beehive Road. This particular trail is perfect for hiking looking to get away from the busy city but is also a favorite among local mountain bikers thanks to its double-tracks, single-tracks, forests, exposed hillsides, and great views of the mountains. Since the 5.3-mile trail is located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this will be a cooler walk during those summer heat waves as the forest canopy above provides excellent protection from the blazing sun.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks Drive
Providing long views in all directions above the beautiful Wenatchee Valley are the Twin Peaks hiking trails, also within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Two large, calm lakes await within a lush basin lined with pine trees and bigleaf maples for those who decide to go on this epic adventure. If you’re in the mood for some berry picking, keep an eye out for salmonberry and blackberry bushes as you walk, as they can frequently be found here. The trail also shows off enormous western red cedars, rushing mountain streams, and an impressive rock canyon as you make your way in.
The trail continues to provide iconic scenic views as you climb your way up to enjoy a view of the valley below. Moving forward, you’ll come to a swampy section — home to a fantastic east view that showcases the Chiwawa Ridge and Napeequa River Valley. Not long after, you’ll find yourself at a creek crossing for Twin Lakes Creek, an outlet of the lakes above. Continue your journey if you dare but remember to practice safety first while crossing the creek along the giant log provided for passing.
The beautiful Wenatchee community is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when there are so many hiking trails to explore while soaking in all the peace and quiet they offer!
