Horse Lake Reserve

Horse Lake Reserve is a 1,500 acre reserve located just west of Wenatchee, open to the public April 1 - November 31. Accessing this beautiful section of the Wenatchee Foothills is done from the north end of town on Horse Lake Canyon Road. The trailhead is three miles from where the pavement ends and the climb up the well kept dirt road offers some great views. Horse Lake Reserve is part of The Foothills, managed by Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. Trails in this area have a particular closure to note: those accessed north of 5th Street are closed from December 1 - April 1, while trails south of 5th Street are open year round.

From the short trail to a viewpoint that overlooks the Wenatchee Valley, hikers can clearly make out US Highway 2 far below. Read the interpretive signs for information on the geology, flora, and fauna in the area.

Years ago, the land that makes up Horse Lake Reserve was working farmland. Today, hikers, can still see the remains of old barns that are still visible on the horizon. Through the efforts of conservationists and concerned citizens, it is now held in public trust and used not only for hiking and mountain biking, but also as a vital habitat for wildlife.

As you hike, enjoy increasingly expansive views of Wenatchee, the Columbia River, and the surrounding area. At a half mile, arrive at a fork in the road. Taking a right turn here results in a mile-long loop, ending back at the parking lot.

Continuing on for a longer loop, hikers will reach a trail marked as the Homestead Trail after another half mile. The trail steepens here, with a few switchbacks before leveling out again. After 2.2 miles on the Homestead Trail, arrive at a junction with the Old Ranch Road. Follow this wide dirt road back down through what was at one time farmland for two miles until reaching the parking lot.

There are trail maps available at the trailhead, along with a restroom and picnic tables.

WTA Pro Tip: This is a first class day hike opportunity that kids are sure to enjoy. Aside from enjoying the outdoors and the exercise, the local history available in the brochures and on the reader board at the trailhead are a real bonus.