Naneum Creek
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Creekside descent through burn recovery forest with wildflowers and loop potential in the Naneum basin.
About This Trail
Naneum Creek Trail (#1381) follows its namesake creek for four miles through a recovering burn zone southeast of Blewett Pass. The route descends from Ken Wilcox Horse Camp at Haney Meadows, dropping about 500 feet over the first mile and a half to the Naneum Meadows trail junction. Young ponderosa pines and larch trees fill in the burned forest, keeping sightlines open to the surrounding ridges and Wenatchee Mountains.
The creek itself is the main companion here, with the trail weaving along its banks through alternating meadow and thin forest. Tweedy's lewisia and other wildflowers line the path in June and early July. Combined with Elk Trap Springs Trail and Table Mountain Trail, hikers can build a 4.5-mile loop with roughly 1,000 feet of gain that showcases the best of the Naneum basin, particularly during October larch season.
This is shared-use trail open to horses and motorcycles, and the tread shows it. Expect rutted sections and occasional mud, especially early in the season. The remote access via FR 9716 and FR 9712 keeps visitor numbers low.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“To reach the TH drive to Blewett Pass and turn right onto FR 9716 if you are heading north.”
Last report: Jun 19, 2025
Scorecard
Consistently described as very quiet in trip reports. Remote access keeps numbers low.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Shared with motorcycles and horses - rutted tread
- Road access via FR 9716/9712 can be impassable in spring due to snow/mud
- Hunting season (fall) - wear blaze orange
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Start from Ken Wilcox Horse Camp at Haney Meadows. Outhouse at trailhead. Access via FR 9716 from Blewett Pass, then FR 9712. Road can be rough.
Recent Reports
This was trip report 1500 for us. To reach the Naneum Meadows TH where we began our meander we drove north on 97 to Blewett Pass and turned right onto FR 9716.
Hiked a ~6-mile, clockwise loop, starting where Naneum Meadows Trail (#1389) crosses Rd 3530. Followed Naneum Creek Trail (#1381) upstream to Haney Meadow (sticking to the creek rather than going up to the road and campground for the last bit), then Grass Camp Tie (#1219.
After setting up camp at Mineral Springs CG, we had time for a short hike so we drove to the Naneum Meadows TH. To reach the TH drive to Blewett Pass and turn right onto FR 9716 if you are heading north.
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