Wenatchee, the self-proclaimed “Apple Capital of the World” sits on the banks of the Columbia River where the cloud-piercing Cascade Mountains transition to the sun-baked steppe of the Columbia Plateau.
Surrounded by dramatic scenery, the foothills to the west are especially appealing to hikers. Here, thanks to local leaders and conservationists you’ll find a growing trail system to wildflower-bursting slopes, pine-scented lofty hills and craggy knolls providing sweeping views of the Northwest’s mightiest waterway. Spring is especially delightful here, with agreeable temperatures and a dazzling array of blossoming beauties brushing the hillsides.
Here are three introductory hikes to Wenatchee’s backyard wilderness.
 Saddle Rock
Roundtrip: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 930 feet
Green Trails Map: Wenatchee/ Mission Ridge, WA- No 211S (shown on map as Old Butte)
Hike to the top of a prominent butte rising above the city. Then survey a dramatic landscape before you; from lofty evergreen covered peaks in the west to the golden slopes of the Columbia Plateau to the east. From the trailhead follow an old road turned trail. Stay on the main route avoiding secondary routes and traverse open slopes of sage and balsamroot. The way is short but steep.
Views of Wenatchee and the Columbia River begin almost immediately. Just shy of a mile, come to a small pine grove at a trail junction below Saddle Rock’s saddle. Continue left on the main trail following a series of switchbacks to a ridge crest. Here, at a trail junction, head right along the ridge to the craggy summit. Use caution while checking it out, but view the surroundings — from snowy piney Mission Ridge to the shimmering waters of the snaking Columbia River — with reckless abandonment!
Sage Hills
Roundtrip: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Green Trails Maps: Wenatchee/Mission Ridge, WA- No 211S
Hike across rolling golden hills wedged between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. En route, embrace views of the west’s mightiest river, pine-topped knolls, cliff-faced buttes, and deep dry gulches where the deer and coyote play.
In spring these hills are alive with brilliant colors. Start by walking a little way up Sage Hills Drive, bearing right to Lester’s Trail. The Sage Hills Trail System has been developed and maintained through a wide consortium of people and organizations including the Chelan-Douglas Land trust, Chelan County PUD and private citizens like the Lester family. Obey all posted rules or risk having future trail access restricted.
The trail runs along the demarcation line between urban and wild. Winding through open country of golden grasses and fragrant sage brush, the trail gradually climbs, reaching Five Trail Saddle in about 1.5 miles. This is a good spot to turn around, but if you feel like exploring more — take the trail left and then bear right at the next junction.
After dipping into a draw, the trail heads upward to intersect an old road at 2.5 miles on a 1,650-foot ridge. The views are excellent here of Burch Mountain to the north, Badger Mountain to the east and the Sage Hills and Saddle Rock south. There’s more territory to explore beyond, amble aimlessly
at will.
Twin Peaks
Roundtrip: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Green Trails Map: Wenatchee/ Mission Ridge, WA- No 211S
Also known as Horse Lake Mountain for a tiny body of water to its northeast, the 4,600-foot Twin Peaks are locally prominent. An old closed-to-motor vehicles road winds its way up forested slopes to Twin’s open summit providing excellent views of the Wenatchee Valley and beyond.
From the gated junction, follow the old road through rows of aspen and alongside a large deer-harboring meadow. Avoiding spurs, keep following the main track upward through pine forest, sage meadows and groves of fir. At 2.8 miles, come to a junction. Bear right skirting Twin’s eastern slopes coming to a small saddle between its two peaks. Now follow a faint track right a short distance to the 4,586-foot east summit.
Savor sweeping views from the Enchantments to the Entiats, Mission Ridge, Sage Hills, Saddle Rock, and Wenatchee spread out below.
Getting to the Trailhead
Saddle Rock: Follow SR 285 (Wenatchee Avenue) for 2 miles south, turning right onto Miller Street. Continue 3.2 miles to Circle Street then turn right coming to a large parking area near the Appleatchee Equestrian Center.
Sage Hills: Follow SR 285 (Wenatchee Avenue) for 2 miles south, turning right onto Miller Street. Continue for .8 mile turning right onto 5th Street. Proceed west for 2.2 miles (5th angles left becoming Number One Canyon Road) to trail parking at junction with Sage Hills Drive. Do not park on Sage Hills Drive.
Twin Peaks: Follow SR 285 (Wenatchee Avenue) for 2 miles south, turning right onto Miller Street. Continue for 1.8 miles, turning right onto Cherry Street; then in one mile turn left onto Western Avenue. After 0.1 mile turn right onto Number Two Canyon Road and proceed for 5.1 miles to a gated junction with FR 7101-500. Park here. Hike begins on gated road.
Contacts:
Saddle Rock and Sage Hills: Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, (509) 667-9708; http://www.cdlandtrust.org
Twin Peaks: Wenatchee River Ranger District (Leavenworth): Wenatchee National Forest; (509) 548-6977; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/
Notes: Dogs must be leashed at Saddle Rock and Sage Hills.
For lodging information: Visit www.wenatcheevalley.org
Sources:
Day Hiking Central Cascades: Romano (Mountaineers Books) contains a detailed chapter on the Wenatchee Foothills.
Craig Romano is Trails Editor of Outdoors NW and the author of half dozen Northwest hiking guidebooks including his latest Winter Hikes of Western Washington card deck (Mountaineers Books). Visit him at http://CraigRomano.com.
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