Echo Ridge
Central CascadesBest Jan–Feb, May–Oct
Open ridge trail network above Lake Chelan with panoramic views and four-season multi-use access.
About This Trail
Echo Ridge is a multi-use trail network perched above Lake Chelan with roughly 15 miles of interconnected loops. The system serves hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and Nordic skiers across seasons. From the ridge, you look out over Lake Chelan, the Enchantments, Pyramid Peak, and the Okanogan Highlands. The terrain is open and rolling, with wildflower meadows and scattered timber.
Summer visitors can pick from multiple loop options ranging from easy family walks to longer fitness loops. The trails are well-marked and the open terrain makes navigation straightforward. Recent Forest Service fire mitigation work has cleared significant stretches of underbrush on the hillside, opening up the landscape further.
In winter, Echo Ridge transforms into a Nordic ski and snowshoe destination operated by the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club. Groomed trails require a $15 day-use fee or $100 season pass. Standard Sno-Park and Northwest Forest Passes are not accepted for winter use. The groomed Nordic trails should not be walked on. The location about 30 minutes from Chelan makes this a natural add-on to a Chelan-area trip rather than a standalone destination from the west side.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Forest Service fire mitigation has cleared large stretches of underbrush as of fall 2025. Trails are in good shape. Winter grooming maintained by Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club.
“Area is in great shape, and the views of Lake Chelan are gorgeous!”
Last report: May 30, 2026
Scorecard
Popular with Chelan-area visitors in summer and Nordic skiers in winter. Multiple trailheads spread out the use.
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Fully exposed to sun and wind
- No water available on the ridge
Getting There
Multiple trailheads (North and South). About 30 minutes from Chelan via State Highway 150 and Boyd Road. Winter use fee of $15/day or $100 season pass applies for Nordic skiing.
From Chelan, take State Highway 150 west and follow Boyd Road up to the ridge. Approximately 30 minutes from town.
Recent Reports
Ran a whole bunch of trails for the Echo Valley Half Marathon. Area is in great shape, and the views of Lake Chelan are gorgeous!
We did a loop from the upper trailhead that was just over 3 miles that went through Spaghetti, High Five, and Grand Junction, Lots of wildflowers in bloom. Trails in great condition would definitely return to ski in the winter!
We headed up the Outback Trail and immediately noticed the extent of recent fire mitigation efforts, with the Forest Service having cleared large stretches of underbrush along the hillside. The open terrain made us think this could be a decent spot for backcountry skiing this winter, especially when lower snow cover makes it hard to find clean lines around the valley.
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