Nason Ridge
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A long, rolling ridgeline traverse with two fire lookouts, hidden lakes, and panoramic views over Lake Wenatchee.
About This Trail
Nason Ridge runs east-west above Lake Wenatchee, and the trail follows it for nearly 22 miles one way with several good turnaround points depending on your ambition. From the Snowy Creek trailhead, the first four miles climb steadily through old growth forest to Rock Mountain, where you get your first big views and can look down at Rock Lake. That alone makes a solid day hike.
Beyond Rock Mountain, the trail drops to Crescent Lake (good camping, sketchy trail erosion in spots) and continues along the ridge to the Merritt Lake junction at mile 8.8. Merritt Lake has a larger camp with a privy and a half-mile side trip to Lost Lake. The full traverse pushes on to Alpine Lookout at mile 11.8, a former staffed fire tower with 360-degree views of Glacier Peak, the Stuart Range, and Lake Wenatchee far below.
Water is the main planning concern. Crescent and Merritt Lakes have water, but the ridge between them can be bone dry, especially east of Merritt Lake. Carry more than you think you need. The eastern 9 miles of the ridge allow motorized travel, so expect occasional dirt bikes on that section. The access road requires some high clearance and the trailhead has no facilities. This is a genuine hidden gem of the Stevens Pass area; trip reports consistently note seeing fewer than 10 people all day.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Back-up plan to Mount Howard from Merritt Lake Trailhead with my buddy.”
Last report: Sep 13, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Water scarce to nonexistent on the ridge, especially east of Merritt Lake
- Trail erosion near Crescent Lake with exposed sections
- Motorized travel permitted on eastern 9 miles
- Rough access road; high clearance recommended
- Blowdowns reported periodically on lower trail
Getting There
Small lot at the Snowy Creek trailhead. No parking pass or entry fee required. No toilet or facilities at the trailhead.
From Highway 2 at Stevens Pass, drive 3.5 miles east and turn left onto FR 6700. Travel 2.5 miles to the Lake Valhalla trailhead, continue 1 mile to Rainy Pass, then 1 more mile to the Snowy Creek Road junction. Turn right and drive 4 miles to the Snowy Creek trailhead (8.5 miles total from Highway 2). The road has ruts; low clearance vehicles are not recommended.
For Rock Mountain only (8 miles round trip), an early morning start works well as a day hike. For Merritt Lake or Alpine Lookout, plan for a two-day backpack or a very long day. Water is scarce on the ridge, so fill up wherever you can.
Recent Reports
Back-up plan to Mount Howard from Merritt Lake Trailhead with my buddy. Thought of doing both Mount Mastiff and Howard Loop but we only had about 9 hours, and with our slower pace, we decided to just go for Howard.
UPDATE - Leila has been FOUND! Big thanks to Rob and Dave from Plain for locating her on the mountain!
Summary: Wonderful views along a ridgeline hike in and out of the trees to a fire lookout with 360 views. A hidden gem: saw less than 10 other hikers all day.
Similar Hikes
