Dirty Face Lookout and Peak
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Relentless 4,000-foot climb to a former fire lookout with Glacier Peak and Lake Wenatchee panoramas.
About This Trail
Dirty Face gains nearly 4,000 feet in 4.5 miles on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee, making it one of the more relentless climbs in the Stevens Pass corridor. The lower mile passes through ponderosa pine and big leaf maple forest before reaching a waterfall viewpoint overlooking the lake. Above that, abandoned logging roads give way to short, steep switchbacks that just keep going. A 2005 wildfire burned the upper mountain, opening views but eliminating shade on the exposed upper slopes.
The former lookout site at 5,989 feet delivers a panorama that includes Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, the Entiat Range, and Lake Wenatchee directly below. On clear days Mount Rainier appears to the south. The fire-scarred terrain supports wildflowers and thimbleberries in summer, and the dry east-side conditions mean this trail melts out earlier than most high-elevation hikes near Stevens Pass.
The combination of south-facing exposure and no tree cover above mid-mountain makes this a furnace on hot days. Carry more water than you think you need. The trail sees light use despite its proximity to Lake Wenatchee, and the trailhead parking area rarely fills.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
One of the earliest high Cascade trails to melt out due to south-facing aspect and east-side location. Snow on upper slopes through late May. Hardpack snow in winter makes snowshoes necessary above 3 miles. Trail brushes in midsummer but remains followable.
“The trail clear for the first 2 miles then there are many blowdowns to negotiate.”
Last report: May 24, 2026
Scorecard
Light use even on summer weekends. Most hikers in the area head to other destinations around Lake Wenatchee.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Intense sun exposure on upper slopes with no shade above mid-mountain
- Dehydration risk on hot days, carry extra water
- Brushy sections with overgrowth in midsummer
Getting There
Trailhead on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Start early on hot days to climb in morning shade. The exposed upper mountain bakes in afternoon sun.
Recent Reports
What a great day to be outside. The solitude we had on the mountain for a Sunday was fantastic.
Road to trail is basically entirely on paved road. I decided to be lazy and have a late start around 1120, the trailhead still had a couple of spots left.
The trail clear for the first 2 miles then there are many blowdowns to negotiate. Most of them are pretty simple climb over/under.
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