Chelan Butte

Chelan Butte rises steeply from the south shore of Lake Chelan on a wide dirt jeep trail that gains 2,500 feet over 3.7 miles. The first mile is the steepest, and the entire route is exposed to sun with almost no shade. On hot days this trail earns every bit of its difficulty rating, but the payoff is a legitimate 360-degree summit panorama covering the Columbia River, Lake Chelan, and the surrounding Entiat Mountains.

An intermediate stop at Elephant Head provides benches and views straight down to the Columbia River, making it a good turnaround point for those who want a shorter outing. The full summit has radio towers and regular paraglider launches, so expect some company at the top.

Spring is the best season here. The lower slopes light up with balsamroot, desert-parsley, phlox, and lupine. Summer heat makes the shadeless climb punishing. Winter visits are possible but snow and ice on the upper slopes require traction. The trail surface is mostly hard-packed sand with some rocky sections. No pass required and plenty of parking at the trailhead.