Swakane CanyonEnjoy views up and down the foliage-rich canyon, watch the antics of countless animals (aloft and on the ground), and scramble periodically to a viewpoint on the canyon wall to peer east to the broad basalt-line of the Columbia River Canyon. Golden eagles have been seen nesting on the high cliffs near the base of the canyon, and rugged bighorn sheep--some with massive full curls on their horns, showing their advanced age--prowl the steep canyon and its side gullies. From the trailhead hike up the road, passing the gate that keeps out vehicles and makes the dusty road a fine wide trail. The road climbs somewhat steeply, but the rewards start coming immediately. At about 0.75 mile up the road, stop and enjoy a long look up Swakane Canyon as it stretches westward. This could be one of the most stunning views in the state. Pine trees dot the canyon hills on the south side of the canyon, creating a lovely pattern of shadows in the early morning light. In autumn, the brush along the canyon floor glows with bright reds, oranges, and yellows. The sheep can frequently be seen up among the pines, and mule deer wander throughout the entire canyon. The road continues to climb for 3 miles, leading to a flat area at the head of the canyon.From here, enjoy a short walk along a faint side path out to the viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River. A spring-fed livestock-watering tank sits out along this ridge and is frequently visited by birds. Quail flock around the ridge as well as down in the canyon, and red-tailed hawks soar endlessly overhead. The road continues across the rolling highlands for several more miles, allowing you to stretch your journey out, but the best of the area is found in the first 3 miles, giving you a nice 6-mile leg stretcher.
Driving Directions:
From Wenatchee, drive north on US 97-A (west side of Columbia River). Drive 5.4 miles before turning left onto a dirt road signed "Swakane Canyon." Continue up this very rough dirt road 2.9 miles to reach a Y. Turn onto the right fork and park at the trailhead area just yards beyond the junction. Start hiking up the road signed "5215." The road is gated closed just around the first bend. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife permit required. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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EASY HIKE FOLLOWS A UNUSED ROAD THAT IS GATED OFF.
MOST OF THE TRIP IS SNOW FREE UNTIL THE VERY TOP...
EASY HIKE FOLLOWS A UNUSED ROAD THAT IS GATED OFF.
MOST OF THE TRIP IS SNOW FREE UNTIL THE VERY TOP AND ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE MTN. WERE THE SUN DOESNT HIT. DEEPEST AREAS WERE AROUND 4-6 IN. TRAIL STARTS ABOUT 1400FT AND I ENDED UP AROUND 4800FT WHEN TIME RAN OUT AND HAD TO HEADED BACK DOWN. THERE ARE A LOT OF OPTIONS TOWARD THE TOP AND U COULD HIKE AS FAR AS U LIKE IF U HAVE THE TIME. AS SOON AS THE SUN STARTS GOING DOWN THE DEER COME OUT. MAKES FOR SOME GOOD SIGHTS. AT LEAST 20 DOE AND 3 GOOD SIZE BUCKS. USUALY U CAN SEE THE BIG HORN SHEEP THERE TO BUT NOT ON THIS TRIP :*( Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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No water source
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Easy stroll along the road. Beautiful views of Swakane Canyon and the Columbia.
On the canyon road, after a couple miles...
Easy stroll along the road. Beautiful views of Swakane Canyon and the Columbia.
On the canyon road, after a couple miles you need to take a right fork to stay on the road. Left leads onto a farm. We thought we had the trail to ourselves, but two other couples were headed up in the afternoon. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
No water source
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Beautiful hike this time of year. Access road is okay for all vehicles. We hiked up the dirt road to...
Beautiful hike this time of year. Access road is okay for all vehicles. We hiked up the dirt road to the first saddle. We continued north-west on the dirt road a bit further to reach the 2nd saddle. We then made the easy scramble to the peak (elevation 4280 feet). That's the easiest way up to the peak. Going back down we did off-trail shortcut down the ridge and cut about 2 miles before rejoining the trail further down. Full picture set can be found here: https://picasaweb.google.com/dargilco/SwakaneCanyon#
Darren
Swakane Canyon
— May 29, 2011
— Weluv2hike.
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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Go on this hike. The views are great! Some flowers in bloom. Alot of people out on this hike today....
Go on this hike. The views are great! Some flowers in bloom. Alot of people out on this hike today.
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail | No water source
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Road to trailhead in great shape from Highway 97, this is not a rough road and is a standard issue...
Road to trailhead in great shape from Highway 97, this is not a rough road and is a standard issue dirt/gravel with zero potholes or tire obstacles. May have been graded from previous posts but our Volvo slept through the short 2 mile drive. 2 other cars at trailhead however we only passed one couple on trail so our journey was nice and lonely. Trail is a road off limits to vehicles so travel is easy, so easy we forgot to stop walking at the 3 mile mark I had informed my wife about and lost track of time continuing to the top of the saddle making a 6 mile hike more like 11 and 2500 ft elevation gain. It was worth it. We were welcomed at the top by a large doe curiously flicking her white tail at us along with a view of the valley below. A fire in 2010 swept through the area so most trees on top are blackened and dead providing a sense of the constant changed that happens in these hills. Some intermittent snow on trail in the shade areas after mile 4 near the ridge top. Flowers are just starting to bloom. Recommend going past the 6 miles described in the “Best Desert Hikes: Washington” as views near the top are just as good as the East and Southern perspectives particularly the exposed rock and high point jutting out from the West.
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Swakane Canyon in springtime. Photo by Mytho-Man.
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