Lake Wenatchee State Park

This park is a great rest stop, whether you're heading back west, or taking a break driving east. Pack a snack on your snowshoe trek and watch the sunset slip below the mountainous horizon or jog the trails towards the beach and take a refreshing dip in summer - whatever you do, you don't want to miss this tucked-away gem waiting for you!

Two hike options are available within the state park -- one begins adjacent to the boat launch in the south park; the other is just beyond the reservation booth in the north park.

Both hikes are suitable for all ages - elevation gain and level of exertion is minimal. Trails are dirt and woodchip covered in all seasons but winter when hiking trails are packed down into snowshoe trails.

During the summer months, various interpretive programs are held along these trails highlighting flora, fauna and historical aspects of Lake Wenatchee.

Biking is allowed on all trails except for the interpretive portion of the trail in the South Park.

North Park

A loop trail begins at the end of the day use parking area and descends gradually to the Wenatchee River before continuing up river to the scenic North Beach area. The trail meanders along the park boundary and back into the forest as it completes the loop by returning to the parking area. Options to detour on side trails into the campground loops are available, extending the total hike distance from 2 miles to just under 3 miles. Restrooms, picnic tables and a playground are located at the North Beach with views of Emerald Island, Dirty Face and Nason Ridge.

The Park property ends at the Y.M.C.A. camp along the North Shore. The steepest portion of this hike is known as "Heart Attack Hill". Found just after veering right from the park boundary, it's very steep, but that lasts less than the length of a football field. Common sights along the trail are pileated woodpeckers drilling for their supper, old highway bridge pillars across the river, towering conifers, washed up root balls from across the lake issuing from the White River and Little Wenatchee River and soaring eagles.

South Park

Featuring a trail beginning to the right of the boat launch, the South Park trail has drive-up access. Parking is located next to the camp store, across from the main day use beach. Gently rolling downriver, this interpretive trail guides you along the journey of our salmon friends with educational panels lining the path for a short portion of your trip. 

Sheltered by abundant vine maple and looming cedar and pine trees, this route guides you towards the confluence of the Wenatchee River and Nason Creek, which merge, then flow under the SR 207 bridge and out east towards the city of Wenatchee. Beavers, white-tailed deer, glacier lilies and the occasional bear have been seen along this trail.

The interpretive portion of this trail is an out-and-back hike totaling 1.8 miles; options to extend the hike along the old highway road, towards Nason Creek USFS campground, or along the main beach can add up to more than 2 miles to your trek.

winter hiking

Both locations offer hiking/snowshoe routes in winter- routes are initially snowshoe packed and explore areas of the park that aren't always accessible during summer. Towards the end of the winter season or during dry spells, snowshoes aren't always needed, just appropriate winter boots.

The South Park trail is marked with interpretive signs portraying animal tracks that add a fun educational element to your snowshoe trek. If hiking/snowshoeing in winter, see bulletin boards for updated trail information and seasonal trail maps, and be aware that hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails is not allowed.