Meander Meadow is an iconic high meadow, filled with wildflowers and berries a mile off the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)and directly below Kodak Peak. There is a small spring-fed stream that -- appropriately enough -- meanders through the meadow.
The meadow itself is a beautiful spot, but the Little Wenatchee River Trail 1525 has some significant issues. The trail crosses a dozen wide avalanche paths, each of which is filled with willow, cottonwood, devils club and a variety of brush each year. Because it sees little maintenance, the trail is choked with brush to a mid-chest depth in high summer.
Hikers frequently cannot see the trail in front them, and there are rocks and occasional holes, so hike carefully! Horses are permitted on the trail, which can sometimes add horse droppings to the array of unseen obstacles.
On the other hand, there are seasonal creeks flowing across the trail from many of the avalanche chutes, so water accessibility is not a problem in most years.
The trail climbs slowly for five miles and then switchbacks steeply, in rock and brush to the meadow. In the afternoon this section can be quite warm. However, an early start is not always the answer; if there has been dew overnight, you will be completely soaked within a half mile of the trail head from the waist down as you wick all the water off the overhanging greenery.
WTA Pro Tip: This loop is day hikeable, though it's a long day, even for those in good shape. The loop is 16 miles and can be found described on the Meander Meadow - Dishpan Gap - Cady Ridge Loop Hiking Guide entry.
Meander Meadows
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Length
- 12.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,980 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,992 feet
Trail closed: Wildfire
Hiking Meander Meadows
Meander Meadows