Naneum-Wilson
Central CascadesBest Jun–Sep
High meadow plateau traverse with wildflower carpets, elk, and wide Wenatchee Mountain views.
About This Trail
Naneum-Wilson Trail (#1371) traverses a high meadow plateau at about 5,400 feet, crossing recovering burn forest southeast of Blewett Pass. The route starts on the signed Naneum Meadows trail at 5,000 feet, climbs gently via switchbacks to the plateau, then forks left at 0.7 miles onto the Naneum-Wilson section. From there, the trail holds elevation across open meadows rich with spring wildflowers: lupine, Tweedy's lewisia, silver crown, woolen breeches, and Jacob's ladder.
At roughly 2.75 miles, the trail crosses a creek used as an elk grazing corridor before continuing through wetlands and burn areas. A small pond ringed by rocky buttes at 3.75 miles makes a natural turnaround point. The open terrain and high vantage give wide views of the Wenatchee Mountains, and the recovering landscape supports strong birding and wildlife viewing.
The trail works well as an evening run or a leg in a larger Naneum basin loop connecting Table Mountain, Elk Trap Springs, and Naneum Creek trails. Trail runners who know the area praise the evening light on the plateau when the sun drops behind the western ridge.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We attempted to do a loop on Table Mountain starting at the Naneum Wilson trail #1371 on FS Road 3521.”
Last report: Jul 9, 2020
Scorecard
Only 3 trip reports total. One of the least-visited trails in the Naneum basin.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Fully exposed plateau - no shelter from lightning
- Muddy/boggy wetland crossings
- Remote - long drive on rough forest roads
- Hunting season (fall) - wear blaze orange
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Roadside parking for 2-3 vehicles along FR 3530. Access via FR 9716 from Blewett Pass, then FR 9712, FR 35, and FR 3530.
Recent Reports
We attempted to do a loop on Table Mountain starting at the Naneum Wilson trail #1371 on FS Road 3521. This is a loop that I have done before which includes several trails: #1387, #1354, 4W316.
Last night the girls and I went trail running on a three trail loop located above Ellensburg in the Wenatchee NF. I’ve run this loop a couple of times this season and its best in the evening when the sun starts to sink behind the hill which will remain off to the west.
Today was an awesome trail run. Tess and I drove up on the mesa and parked near the rim of the cliff just north of Lion Rock.
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