Cady Ridge

Cady Ridge follows a historic sheep route through the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, climbing steep switchbacks from the Little Wenatchee Ford Trailhead before rolling along 7 miles of open ridgeline at 5,000 to 5,500 feet. The ridge walk delivers sustained views of Glacier Peak, wildflower meadows through July, and blueberry patches come August. Hikers can turn around at the 4-mile viewpoint for a solid day trip or push to the PCT junction at 6.5 miles, then continue half a mile to Lake Sally Ann.

The trail's reputation is complicated. The ridge itself rewards generously, but the Cady Creek Trail connecting below has degraded into shoulder-high brush with devil's club and thistle. Leavenworth Ranger District reports confirm the creek route is exceptionally difficult to follow. The ridge trail proper remains in better condition, though it still has rough stretches. Many hikers combine this with Meander Meadows and Kodak Peak for a multi-day loop from the Little Wenatchee trailhead.

Getting to the trailhead requires navigating a detour on FR 6500 where a section of road has been closed. The detour is signed and adds about 10 minutes to the drive. The last 3 miles are unpaved and can be rough. No toilet at the trailhead. Bugs and mud persist through early summer, and creek crossings run high until midsummer.