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: 41 - 50 of 96 results

Heather Lake Trailhead

Hiking
This trailhead provides access to the Heather Lake Trail #1526 within Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.

Icicle Creek Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Provides access to Icicle Creek Trail #1551 within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This heavily used trailhead also provides access to Icicle Creek Trail #1551, French Creek Trail #1595, French Ridge Trail…

Icicle Gorge Trailhead

Hiking
This heavily used trailhead provides access to Icicle Gorge Loop Trail #1596, which follows along Icicle Creek. The trailhead is located close to Chatter Creek Campground and guard station. There is…

Icicle Group Campground

Site Open
Hiking Climbing and Caving Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Tent-only, small group site camping along Icicle Creek, just off Icicle Road. 30-person limit. Visitors must walk to camping area, approximately 500 feet. Picnic tables and fire pit. No drinking…

Ida Creek Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
This lovely campground is located at the confluence of Ida Creek and Icicle Creek, 13 miles from Leavenworth. The campground is concessionaire operated.

Ingalls Creek Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Provides access to Ingalls Creek Trail #1215 which is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Several trails that diverge from there: Falls Creek Trail #1216, Cascade Creek Trail #1217, Hardscrabble Creek…

Irving Pass Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead provides access to the Irving Pass Trail #1545 and the Little Wenatchee Ridge Trail #1543 which both access Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Jack Trout Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead provides access to the Jack Creek Trail #1558 and the Trout Creek Trail #1555.  Both of these trails are within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Last updated June 25th, 2025