Wenatchee National Forest

The Wenatchee National Forest covers over 1.7 million ages along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. It’s part of the combined Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which describes the entire 3.8 million acre recreational and natural area from Canada to the Stehekin-Lake Chelan valleys. Among Washington’s many premier outdoor destinations, it’s worth the trip for hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. The Wenatchee National Forest boasts an estimated 318,800 acres of old-growth forest, hundreds of miles of trails, and near-countless camping spots. It doesn’t stop at hiking and camping, though! The forest also offers excellent fishing, climbing, horseback riding, skiing, and snowmobiling. Trails range from ADA-accessible and family-friendly to highly technical and challenging, making this a fantastic place to explore no matter your age, ability, or experience level.

The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests are managed together across seven ranger offices and one headquarters, which is in Wenatchee, Washington. The wilderness areas that make up Wenatchee National Forest have been renamed and transformed many times since the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, but what’s stayed consistent is their many stunning alpine lakes, meandering rivers, lush forests, and dramatic mountains.

Planning a trip to the Wenatchee National Forest? Good idea! Whether you’re setting out for a long backpacking trip or just stopping in for a quick walk with the kids, our expansive catalogue of route guides will help you pick the perfect adventure. Pack up and get into the forest- you’ll want to stay a while!