Steliko Lookout

Steliko Lookout sits at 2,586 feet on the eastern edge of the Cascades, overlooking the rolling grasslands and sage hills of the Columbia River drainage. The 3.4-mile round trip hike gains 1,500 feet through a canyon that opens onto a ridgeline with expanding views as you climb. The first mile follows a deep canyon before breaking out onto the open hillside.

The lookout is available for overnight rental, making it a popular destination for quick getaways. In summer, you can drive a high-clearance vehicle all the way to the top, but the road gate closes seasonally, adding the hiking distance. Deer are commonly spotted along the trail, and the dry east-side landscape stays accessible well into late fall and early winter when west-side trails are buried in rain and snow.

The area around Entiat and Ardenvoir provides a quieter, drier alternative to the popular Leavenworth corridor. Pair a visit with a stop at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center, just a few minutes down the road.