Skip to main content

Wenatchee River Ranger District

The Wenatchee River Ranger District encompasses approximately 696,000 acres and extends from near the Columbia River to the crest of the Cascades.

It is bordered by the Entiat Ranger District to the north along the Entiat Mountains divide and by the Cle Elum Ranger District to the south along the Wenatchee Mountains - Mt. Stuart divide. To the west of the district is the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

In recent years, the Wenatchee River Ranger District has become most known for an area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness known as the Enchantments. Because this area is so highly visited, permits are required for overnight recreationalists. The permitting process is a lottery system and one of the most competitive in the nation. 

Wanting to escape those crowds? The Wenatchee River Ranger District has hundreds of other places to explore. From world-class climbing and white water up the Icicle Gorge and Tumwater Canyon, to hiking, biking and camping up the Little Wenatchee River, the White River, or Chiwawa River. 

This region is truly wonderful to explore all year round, and winter is no exception. Cross-country skiers will delight in multiple choices around Plain, Leavenworth, and Lake Wenatchee. 

General Information

600 Sherbourne
Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 548-2550 or (509) 548-2551

Passes & Permits

The Enchantments, in the Alpine Lake Wilderness, require overnight permits

Attention Climbers: Raptor nesting behavior has been observed on both Midnight and Noontime Rocks and is closed to entry April 1 through July 31. To protect these birds during the nesting period, these rocks and the area immediately above and between them is closed to all entry. Once nesting is confirmed, restrictions will be lifted on the rock not being used. If you know where the raptors are nesting, please contact the Wenatchee River Ranger District office. 

Recreation Sites

Showing: 11 - 20 of 96 results

Blackpine Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Provides access to Blackjack Ridge Trail #1565 within Alpine Lakes Wilderness connecting with Snowall-Cradle Lake Trail #1560 and Meadow Creek Trail #1559.

Bridge Creek Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Climbing and Caving
Located near the confluence of Bridge Creek and Icicle Creek, this campground is 9 miles from Leavenworth. There are 6 single sites that are not reservable, and 1 group site that can be reserved.…

Bygone Byways Trailhead

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
This trailhead provides access to the Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail. It is located on the north side of US-2, near milepost 69. No parking permit is required, and there is a vault toilet at the…

Castle Rock Trailhead

Hiking Climbing and Caving
The Castle Rock Trailhead is located directly off of US Highway 2, on the east side of the highway. It provides access to a large diorite feature with up to 600 feet of multi-pitch climbing. There is…

Chatter Creek Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
This heavily used campground is located about 16 miles up Icicle Creek Road, at the confluence of Icicle Creek and Chatter Creek. Vault toilets, garbage service, and a small group shelter with a…

Chatter Creek Trailhead

Hiking
Provides access to Chatter Creek Trail #1580 within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This trail is not recommended for horse travel.

Chiwawa Horse Camp

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking
Located near the Chiwawa River at Rock Creek this campground is approximately 15 miles up the Chiwawa River Road #6200. It offers 7 long pull-through spurs and horse facilities. It is wheelchair…

Last updated June 25th, 2025