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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: 71 - 80 of 90 results

Round Mountain Trailhead

Hiking Biking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead provides access to the Round Mountain Trail #1529 and the Nason Ridge Trail #1583 into the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

Schaefer Creek Campground

Picnicking
Located along the Chiwawa River, 21 miles from Lake Wenatchee, river access is available at the campground.

Schaefer Lake Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead provides access to the Schaefer Lake Trail #1519 which enters Glacier Peak Wilderness near the lake.

Smithbrook Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead provides access to the Smithbrook Trail #1590 which is a short spur that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.

Snow Lakes Trailhead

Hiking Climbing and Caving
Provides access to Snow Lakes Trail #1553, rock climbing at Snow Creek Wall, and the Enchantment Lakes within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.Dogs and all pets are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail,…

Snowy Creek Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking
This trailhead provides access to the Snowy Creek Trail #1531 and the Nason Ridge Trail #1583.

Stuart Lake Trailhead

Hiking Climbing and Caving Water Activities
This is a major trailhead which provides access to the Stuart Lake Trail #1599 and the very popular Colchuck Lake Trail #1599A within Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Enchantments Area. An…

Swiftwater Picnic Area

Picnicking
This is a very scenic picnic area along Tumwater Canyon on US Hwy 2. There are 14 picnic sites in this area.

Last updated April 16th, 2025