Mount David
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A long ridge walk above the White River valley with 360-degree summit views of Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, and the Central Cascades.
About This Trail
Mount David starts at the White River trailhead and follows the river briefly before turning uphill and climbing 3,000 feet in three miles on a well-graded trail to reach the ridgeline. The real character of this hike begins on top, where the route follows an undulating ridge with repeated ups and downs for several miles to the 7,420-foot summit. Views open up early and stay expansive for the entire ridge walk.
The summit panorama takes in Glacier Peak to the north, Clark Mountain and Poet Ridge nearby, Mount Daniel to the south, and Mount Stuart to the southeast. Wildflower meadows line the ridge in midsummer. The final approach crosses some scree and requires comfort on exposed, rocky terrain, though no scrambling moves are necessary. Snow lingers on the upper ridge into July and returns by late October.
The White River trailhead also serves as the starting point for the Glacier Peak Circumnavigation, Indian Creek, and other wilderness routes. The access road has some rough patches with sharp rocks and potholes near the end but remains passable for most vehicles. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. This trail sees moderate traffic on summer weekends but stays quiet on weekdays.
Mountain Weather
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Completed Mount David from White River Trailhead.”
Last report: Sep 5, 2025
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Exposed ridge with no shelter above treeline
- Scree on summit approach
- Snow on upper ridge into July and after October
- Rough access road with potholes near trailhead
Getting There
Northwest Forest Pass required. Parking area at road end holds about 20 vehicles. Toilet at the trailhead. Road has some rough patches with sharp rocks near the end but is passable for most vehicles.
From Highway 2 at Coles Corner, turn north toward Lake Wenatchee. Stay left at the Y intersection heading west. After 9.6 miles from the Wenatchee River bridge, turn right on White River Road and continue 16.5 miles to the road end at the trailhead. The trail follows the White River briefly before climbing steeply to the ridge. Refill water at the river crossing early since no reliable sources exist on the ridge.
Start early to get clear morning views from the ridge. Afternoon clouds and thunderstorms are common in summer. The ridge walk adds significant time beyond what the mileage suggests due to repeated elevation changes.
Recent Reports
Turned out to be a lot more smoky than what we were expecting, but we still got to the summit. We drove up on Thursday night, and slept at a campground 2 miles from the trailhead.
We arrived at the parking lot just after sunrise. The road in was in great shape.
Completed Mount David from White River Trailhead. The road has deteriorated a bit, there are some sharp rocks and potholes which could impact low clearance vehicles, but its a relatively short unpaved section all mostly avoidable.
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