Poet Ridge (Little Wenatchee Ridge)

Poet Ridge (also called Little Wenatchee Ridge) is a 15-mile one-way ridgeline traverse for hikers with strong route-finding skills and a tolerance for brushy, unmaintained trail. The route follows the long ridge west of Lake Wenatchee, connecting Poe Mountain to the Pacific Crest Trail near Dishpan Gap. Most parties access it from either the Poe Mountain trailhead or Irving Pass, both reached via Forest Road 65.

The initial climb from either trailhead is steep, switchbacking up to the ridge before following the undulating crest with alternating steep pitches and brief descents. Once on the ridge, views open to Glacier Peak, the Entiat Mountains, and the Little Wenatchee drainage. The trail is lightly maintained at best, with blowdowns in the first half mile and sections that require map consultation to stay on route.

FS 65 was reopened after the Pomas Fire with a detour partway up the road. Only 15 trip reports exist on WTA spanning over a decade, which tells you how remote and uncommonly traveled this ridge is. This is a trip for people who want solitude above all else and are comfortable navigating faint tread through mountain terrain. It can be combined with the Cady Ridge and PCT trails for a multi-day loop from Little Wenatchee Ford.