Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
You will start by climbing 0.4 miles up the Main Trail from the parking lot along a
decommissioned Forest Service road before coming to the first junction in this network of trails.
At the junction you’ll be greeted with interpretive information and a map of the area — be sure to snap a quick picture if you forgot to save a map before heading out.
As the grade flattens, follow the Main Trail to the right for 0.4 miles before coming to the Canyon Crest-Rat Creek Ridge trail junction where you have the option to turn your hike into a loop. In just under a mile, depending slightly on which alternate you chose, the trails will meet and the climb upwards continues towards Boundary Butte.
After another 0.8 miles, you’ll reach a junction with actively used USFS Road 7300-500. Follow the trail sharply left and begin the final climb to the summit for 1 mile. Here you’ll be greeted with 360 degree views of Leavenworth and the surrounding valley.
If hiking during the spring, you’ll be rewarded by a full display of wildflowers including arrowleaf balsamroot, several species of lupine, long-leaf phlox, and more! Large ponderosa pines and Douglas fir line the trail, but offer little protection from the sun, especially as you climb up above the ridge and towards the Boundary Butte summit.
WTA Pro Tip: Be sure to apply sunscreen and bring more water than you’d expect as there are no places to refill at the trailhead or on the hike.
