Lake Wenatchee State Park
Central CascadesBest Year-round
Flat lakeshore and river trails through old-growth conifers with year-round access and wildlife around every bend.
About This Trail
Lake Wenatchee State Park packs a surprising amount of variety into a short, flat trail system. The park splits into two units. The North Park loop drops from the day-use area to the Wenatchee River, follows the bank upstream to North Beach, then loops back through the forest. The South Park runs an interpretive trail near the boat launch with panels about salmon migration, extending toward Nason Creek and the beach. Combined, you can cover about 4 miles without repeating yourself.
The trails are dirt and woodchip, mostly level, and shaded by towering cedar, pine, and vine maple. The one exception is a brief steep section in the North Park called Heart Attack Hill, which sounds worse than it is. Wildlife sightings are common. Pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, beavers, and white-tailed deer all use the park regularly, and bear sightings are not unusual.
This is a solid pick when you want to stretch your legs without committing to a full day on the trail. It works well as a Highway 2 rest stop, a family outing, or a camping base camp. Winter transforms the trails into snowshoe and cross-country ski routes. The Discover Pass is required year-round, and a Sno-Park permit covers winter access. The south side gets busier in summer, so try the north unit if you want a quieter walk.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“This is a beautiful little trail located near the north campground, and if you’re staying there, the trailhead is just a short walk away.”
Last report: May 23, 2026
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- bears present in area
- snowshoe route-finding can be tricky in South unit
Getting There
Day-use parking lots in both North and South units. South side fills faster on summer weekends. Discover Pass required. In winter, a Sno-Park permit covers access.
From Stevens Pass, drive 24 miles east on Highway 2 to Coles Corner, turn left on SR 207. South Park is 4 miles in via Cedar Brae Road. North Park is 5 miles on SR 207, left after the Wenatchee River bridge. From Leavenworth, head west on Highway 2 about 20 miles to Coles Corner.
No timing pressure here. Morning is quieter in the South unit. Winter users should check snow conditions as the snowshoe loops can lose definition in low-snow years.
Recent Reports
This is a beautiful little trail located near the north campground, and if you’re staying there, the trailhead is just a short walk away. The loop follows the river for part of the route before heading east and north, gently skirting the highway.
We started at the south entrance and parked by the beach. It was super cold and windy and a little hard to get motivated.
Both the North and South units of the Lake Wenatchee State Park have great hiking trails -- and XC and snowshoe trails in the winter -- as noted in the other trip reports, however we'd like to sound a note of caution about one part of the trail system. Several years ago, we tried the South unit snowshoe loop, traveling clockwise from the boat launch down the Wenatchee River to the confluence with Nason Creek but lost the trail between that point and the Nason Creek campground.
Similar Hikes
