Round Mountain

The hike to Round Mountain is a good one for those looking for a shorter hike than heading all the way to Alpine Lookout. The views aren't quite as good, but you'll still enjoy a good workout and a classic central Washington ridge walk.

The hike starts out on the edge of an old logging area and quickly moves into forested old-growth as you hike steeply up to the ridge. Before arriving at the ridgeline, break out into an area that was heavily burned in the mid-1980s. Recovery is in full swing and soon the expansive views to the east will be obscured by lush forest cover.

In a little over a mile, reach the junction with the Nason Ridge trail, which runs northwest to southeast for 22 miles. At this junction, turn left, west. In a quarter of a mile the trail approaches the north rim of Nason Ridge, where there are excellent views down to Lake Wenatchee. There are also nice views south and east into the Enchantments. Occasional overlooks allow you to gaze down on Lake Wenatchee, across to Dirty Face lookout or north to Glacier Peak.

Nason Ridge is a multi-use trail. Horses are quite commonly spotted closer to the stables at Lake Wenatchee State Park. In hiking this trail annually for ten years I have only encountered motorized trail bikes once, though they are more frequently found on the lower section of Nason Ridge Trail.

The trail continues for another three-quarters of a mile around the south side of aptly named Round Mountain. There is not a track to the top, and no need for one; it really should be named Round Hill, since the lower summit is forested across the top and there are no views. On the other hand, there are good wildflowers in July and August and vivid fall colors in autumn.

WTA Pro Tip: This is a dry trail, with just one seasonal spring very close to the trailhead. Past after that, there is no water. Though in early spring you may pass traces of last winters snow, plan accordingly.