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Lake Wenatchee State Park

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Featured In: Day Hiking: Central Cascades, by Craig Romano.
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Splendid undeveloped lakeshore and riverfront, spectacular views of towering peaks near and far, all from a pleasant loop that originates from one of Washington's busiest and best-loved state park campgrounds. But surprisingly, many campers never wander far from their fire pits and RVs, leaving these trails relatively quiet. The mosquitoes, however, are another thing. They're legendary here in May and June.

From behind a gate, pick up the trail and make a choice. Beeline straight for the river or take the longer, more scenic route? I thought you'd choose the latter. Turn left and amble through open forest of pine and fir, gently descending 50 feet or so to the Wenatchee River. Now turn right and head upriver. Nason Creek drains into the Wenatchee along this stretch. In spring the flow is quite intense. Rafters and floaters take to these waters later in the season when they're not as hazardous.

At 0.5 mile intersect the shortcut route. Continue straight along the river, passing two spur trails leading to campground loops. At 1 mile arrive at a beautiful beach at the lake's outlet. A small wooded island guards the outflow. Huge cedar driftwood logs litter the beach. The view uplake to Dirtyface Peak, Nason Ridge, and Labyrinth Mountain is a classic. It's partially captured on Washington's special state parks license plate. Winds often whip here, funneling down from the glacially carved valley that houses the 2500-acre lake. The lake is fed by glaciers too-wade if you dare.

Continue past the beach and another campground spur, meandering through pleasant forest along the lakeshore. At 1.5 miles come to a junction. The trail left continues for 0.1 mile to the park border. Turn right and make a short steep climb of about 75 feet in open forest. Park personnel have recently cleared understory brush here, lessening chances of a serious fire sweeping through the popular park.

Now on a pleasant woods road, bear right at a junction and follow it to its terminus near the campground's loop 2. Walk the paved park road 0.25 mile back to your vehicle.

Driving Directions:

From Everett head east on US 2 for 85 miles to Coles Corner. (From Leaven-worth travel west on US 2 for 15 miles.) Turn left (north) onto State Route 207 (signed for Lake Wenatchee) and proceed 4.2 miles to a Y intersection just after crossing the Wenatchee River. Bear left, and after 0.3 mile turn left into the north entrance of Lake Wenatchee State Park. In 0.25 mile, just after passing the campground registration booth, come to the trailhead and parking (elev. 1950 ft). Privy available.