Chikamin Tie ORV
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A quiet high-country traverse on Chikamin Ridge with big talus views and fall larches, shared with ORVs in summer.
About This Trail
Chikamin Tie ORV traverses a high hillside route with sweeping views of Chikamin Ridge and the surrounding peaks near Lake Chelan. The 7.2-mile roundtrip trail gains 1,900 feet to a high point of 6,230 feet, passing through a large talus field about a mile in, then through forest sections with intermittent creek crossings. The talus field is the visual centerpiece, with open views north toward the Entiat peaks.
The trail shares its corridor with motorized users during summer months (mid-July through mid-October), but hikers have exclusive access from mid-October through mid-July. Trip reports describe a quiet, beautiful hike with excellent fall larch viewing when paired with nearby Chikamin Ridge. The access road is gravel and can be rough toward the end; parking a mile before the final trailhead avoids the worst section. Water is available in the first two miles but the upper trail is dry. October visits combine golden larch with solitude, making this a worthwhile alternative to the crowded Leavenworth-area larch destinations.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I admit to accidently driving past the Garland Peak trailhead and stopped at end of the brushed area of the road.”
Last report: Jul 5, 2026
Scorecard
Very lightly used even in peak season. Nearly every report mentions solitude.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Motorized vehicle traffic from mid-July through mid-October
- Dry conditions above the first two miles
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Gravel road to trailhead. Consider parking a mile before the end to avoid the roughest section. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Recent Reports
From the end of the Chikamin Ridge Rd, we took the Upper Chikamin Tie Trail to the Upper Mad River Trail, which we followed to the Garland Peak Trail. Found a semi-established site along the Garland Peak Trail on the first bump along the ridge (Pt 6,542).
I had a very quiet and beautiful hike on the Chikamin Tie Trail today! THE ROAD Chikamin Ridge Road isn't great, but isn't too bad either.
We were doing brief planning for our annual Cascade Loop trip and pondering a larch hike with few people. My husband suggested the Chikamin Tie Trail based on a geocache posting he had seen with a picture of a lovely larch lined meadowed slope and Garland Peak as the backdrop.
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