Poe Mountain via Little Wenatchee Trailhead
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A steep, quiet summit climb to an old lookout site with big views and zero crowds.
About This Trail
Poe Mountain is one of those Central Cascades summits that rewards effort with solitude. The trail branches right off the Little Wenatchee River trail almost immediately, then switchbacks steadily up a well-built path through mixed forest. The first two-thirds offer shade and a reasonable grade, but the upper third opens onto a south-facing slope where the sun bears down in midsummer. Plan accordingly.
The former fire lookout site at 6,015 feet delivers broad views of the surrounding ridges and valleys. On a clear day, you can pick out peaks in every direction, including Glacier Peak to the north. There is no reliable water on this route, so bring everything you need from the trailhead.
Experienced hikers use Poe Mountain as the starting point for a longer ridge traverse along Poet Ridge to the PCT, returning via Cady Ridge to form a roughly 20-mile loop with nearly 7,000 feet of gain. That version is a serious day or overnight, but Poe itself stands fine as a straightforward out-and-back summit hike. Huckleberries and blueberries line the upper slopes in late summer, though picking them on this steep terrain takes some nerve.
Mountain Weather
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“The only way to access Poe Trail from this trailhead is by adding a 2 mile road walk due to a tree down.”
Last report: Jun 18, 2022
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- No water on trail
- South-facing upper slope extremely hot in midsummer
- Snow patches near summit into early July may obscure trail
- Downed trees sometimes block access road
Getting There
Small lot at the end of the Little Wenatchee River Road. The last several miles are rough gravel with potholes. Most passenger cars can make it with patience, but a higher-clearance vehicle is more comfortable. No parking pass required.
From the trailhead, walk northwest up the Little Wenatchee River valley about 200 yards. The Poe Mountain trail branches right at a signed junction. Switchbacks climb steadily through forest before emerging onto open slopes. Just below the summit, a signed junction offers the right fork to Irving Pass and the left fork to the peak.
Start early in midsummer to avoid baking on the exposed upper slope. The south-facing aspect means afternoon sun is relentless. For the ridge traverse loop, a pre-dawn start or overnight camp is wise.
Recent Reports
The only way to access Poe Trail from this trailhead is by adding a 2 mile road walk due to a tree down. There is another large Cedar down across the road about a half mile from the trail head that is going to take a major effort to get cleared.
Made a loop from Little Wenatchee Ford trailhead ascending the Poe Mountain trail to the summit then following the Wenatchee Ridge / Poet Traverse to the PCT, following the PCT south to Cady Ridge trail and descending that to the trailhead. Worked out be 19.
The road in is not great but not TOO bad and definitely manageable for low clearance cars, but I might recommend not taking a low clearance car that you care about a lot. Would I have taken my PT Cruiser on it?
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