Beebe Springs Wildlife Area - River Trails
Central CascadesBest Apr–Nov
Flat riverside paths through restored grasslands, where the birding outshines the mileage.
About This Trail
Beebe Springs Wildlife Area sits along the Columbia River about 40 miles north of Wenatchee on Highway 97, just past Beebe Bridge. Wide gravel paths wind through restored native grasslands where Beebe Creek flows freely through marshes toward the river. Steel sculptures line the trails, and short spurs lead to benches, bird blinds, and sandy riverbanks tracked with beaver, raccoon, bighorn sheep, and deer prints.
This is a birding and wildlife-watching spot more than a hiking destination. The 2-mile round trip is flat, ADA accessible, and suited to strollers, wheelchairs, and dogs. Eagles, migrating waterfowl, and songbirds frequent the area, particularly in spring and fall. The site closes December through mid-March.
Trip reports describe it as a solid leg-stretcher on the drive to or from Winthrop, and a surprisingly rewarding stop for anyone interested in riparian habitat and wildlife. A Discover Pass is required.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
April 2026 report describes trail in good shape. The site was open despite the listed Dec-Mar closure, suggesting seasonal closures may be flexible. Trail is dry except near the creek and pond where shallow water can cover a short section.
“We had also done a solid hike in the Chelan Gorge recently, so Beebe Springs felt like a good choice while my Discover Pass was still valid.”
Last report: Apr 2, 2026
Scorecard
Rarely crowded. Most visitors are birders or people stopping on their way through the area.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazard
- Trail near creek and pond may have shallow standing water
Getting There
Discover Pass required. Accessible restroom facilities at trailhead.
From Wenatchee, drive north on Highway 97 for about 40 miles. Entrance is on the right past Beebe Bridge.
Recent Reports
I was looking for an easy hike to do with my puppy, who seemed worn out from doggy day care the day before. We had also done a solid hike in the Chelan Gorge recently, so Beebe Springs felt like a good choice while my Discover Pass was still valid.
I had been excited to see this hike when researching but then sad that it is listed as closed Dec-Mar. However, when driving past it was in fact open so I made it a leg stretcher on the way to Winthrop.
We have hiked all the trails in this pretty area in the spring, but this was our first time in the fall. The trail was dry, except near the creek and pond, where there was a short section of shallow water on the trail.
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