Nason Ridge Trail #1583

This scenic trail travels the length of Nason Ridge. The trail offers an abundance of panoramic views while traveling near the crest of Nason Ridge. The trail provides access to the Alpine Fire Lookout, which is still active. Also, from the trail, Merritt Lake, Lost Lake, Crescent Lake and Rock Lake can all be accessed and provides nice lakeside camping. Remember to use existing sites and do not camp on vegetation. On the west end of the ridge where the trail meets the Snowy Creek trail, you can scramble to the summit of Rock Mountain, which is the site of an old fire lookout. The lookout is no longer there, but the summit provides great views of the cascade range.

For bikers looking for a high elevation, difficult ride, the trail is open for mountain bikes for the entire length.

Water is scarce. Three miles from the trailhead, the trail follows and crosses a logging road for 1/2 mile. The trail is narrow and eroded in places between Merritt Lake and Rock Mountain, and this section of trail is not recommended for horses. Motorcycles are prohibited west of Ninemile Saddle (nine miles from the Nason Ridge Trailhead). Remember to self register at the trailhead.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	See Current conditions information
Reservations:	No reservations required
Usage:	Medium
Restrictions:	Motorcycles are prohibited west of Ninemile Saddle (nine miles from the Nason Ridge Trailhead). The trail is not recommended for horses between Merritt Lake and Rock Mountain.
Closest Towns:	Leavenworth, WA
Water:	Water can be scarce so plan ahead. Treat or filter drinking water.
Restroom:	Restrooms at trailheads. Pit toilet at Merritt Lake.
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass is requried at Nason Ridge Trailhead.

General Information

Directions:

The trail begins at the Nason Ridge Trailhead located at Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort off Cedar Brae Road on the South shore of Lake Wenatchee. The trail ends at the junction with the Snowy Creek Trail #1531 near Rock Mountain.

The Nason Ridge Trail #1583 can also be accessed from the Round Mountain Trail #1529, the Snowy Creek Trail #1531, the Rock Mountain Trail #1587, and the Merritt Lake Trail #1588.

General Notes:

Green Trail Map - #146 Plain/#145 Wenatchee Lake/#144 Benchmark

USGS Map - Plain/Lake Wenatchee/Mount Howard/Labyrinth Mountain, WA

Parking:

Parking is available at all trailheads. Merritt Lake T.H. provides the most parking. Rock Mountain and Snowy Creek Trailheads have very limited parking.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Nason Ridge Trailhead

Access to the Nason Ridge Trail from the Round Mountain, Merritt Lake, Rock Mountain and Snowy Creek trail all provide for a nice day outing. Snowy Creek and Rock Mountain trails provide for a more strenuous outing while the Merritt Lake and Round Mountain are more moderate.

Difficulty Level:	Easy to Difficult

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Nason Ridge Trailhead

Camping can be found at Merritt Lake, Lost Lake, Crescent Lake, and Rock Lake. Use existing sites and do not camp on vegetation. Pack out all trash, and use Leave-No-Trace practices. Fire are permitted when there is no fire restrictions. Only use dead and down wood.