Fourth of July Mountain

Fourth of July Mountain delivers a disproportionate reward for its short distance. At just 2.7 miles roundtrip with 1,300 feet of gain, this east-side peak near Lake Chelan puts hikers on a 3,540-foot summit with 360-degree views of the lake, North Cascades peaks, and the Columbia Plateau. The trail is direct and steep, especially in the final push where the sandy, loose surface demands good traction and trekking poles.

The east-side location near Chelan means this trail dries out early and stays accessible well into late fall, even through winter in some years. Trip reports from March note snow-free conditions at the Antilon Lake Sno-Park, with manageable snow only near the summit. The road to the trailhead is in good shape for any vehicle, though parking is limited to roadside pullouts with no designated lot or facilities. Consistently quiet, this is a reliable early-season or shoulder-season option when westside trails are still buried.