Chelan Gorge Trail

The Chelan Gorge Trail system links four short trails (Reach 1, Eagle, Coyote, and Cutthroat) into a 5.7-mile route along the upper Chelan River gorge. The terrain is dry eastern Washington shrub-steppe with open views down into the gorge and across to the surrounding hills. The first quarter mile is wheelchair-accessible on wide packed gravel, and the rest transitions to single-track with some steep hairpin bends.

Spring wildflowers are the main draw. Arrowleaf balsamroot begins appearing in late March and peaks in April, with mariposa lilies and mock orange following later. Wildlife sightings are common: eagles, bighorn sheep, deer, and grebes all inhabit the gorge. Interpretive signs along the route cover the local geology and the history of the Chelan and Entiat peoples.

This is an excellent year-round trail thanks to its low elevation and mild Chelan-area climate. Snow is rare and melts quickly. The lack of shade makes summer hiking hot, so early morning or evening visits work best in July and August. No pass is required and a port-a-potty sits at the trailhead.