Hidden Lake (Lake Wenatchee)
Central CascadesBest Year-round
Quick old-growth stroll to a quiet lake near Lake Wenatchee, good for families year-round.
About This Trail
Hidden Lake is a short, flat trail near Lake Wenatchee that makes an excellent family outing or leg-stretcher. The path covers less than a mile each way through old-growth fir and cedar, with a wide, easy-grade tread. Look for "cave trees" along the way: ancient cedars with lightning-burned hollow cavities at their bases. Peek-a-boo views of Lake Wenatchee and Dirty Face Mountain appear through gaps in the canopy.
The lake itself is a quiet, shallow body of water surrounded by large ponderosa pines. Minnows and other aquatic life are visible in the clear water. An optional loop extension (2.5 miles total) descends to Glacier View Campground and offers views of Glacier Peak across Lake Wenatchee.
The trail is snowshoe-friendly in winter via the plowed Cedar Brae Road, though the last half-mile of road to the trailhead may not be plowed and could require extra walking. Some blowdowns cross the trail but are navigable, and kids enjoy climbing over them. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Some downed trees across the trail but easily navigated. Trail is in good shape otherwise. Spring may require parking on the shoulder half a mile from trailhead due to road snow.
“Driving directions are helpful and the parking lot is clearly marked.”
Last report: Jul 4, 2026
Scorecard
Lightly visited even in summer. Most Lake Wenatchee visitors head to the state park beaches instead.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Blowdowns across trail may require climbing over/under
- Winter road access may require extra walking if road not plowed to trailhead
Getting There
Small trailhead lot. Northwest Forest Pass required. Winter access road may not be plowed the last half-mile.
Near Lake Wenatchee, accessed via Cedar Brae Road. Road is plowed in winter but may not reach the trailhead.
Recent Reports
Lovely 4th of July hike near lake wenatchee! Driving directions are helpful and the parking lot is clearly marked.
TLDR: - need a federal lands parking pass, not discover pass - multiple downed trees on the trail making the beginning not ADA accessible - black bear cubs on the trail (didn’t see mom) Arrived at 10ish on a Thursday, plenty of parking available. Parking requires a federal lands parking pass, like the National Parks Pass or another national forests pass, does not accept Discover Pass.
Short easy hike to a tree-rimmed small lake below Nason Ridge. Only saw two other parties at the lake on a beautiful early summer day.
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