Sam Hooke

Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe

Distance12.26 km / 7.62 miles
Elevation gain222 m / 728 ft
Duration5h25m
Moving2h50

We left Seattle early, but due to the long drive across the Cascades it was already 10:30am by the time we set off.

I had read that the views from this hike were spectacular, but there was a thick mist as far as we could see. This was quite atmospheric and felt like being lost in a cloud.

People were using a mixture of transportation modes: boots, skis, and snowshoes (that was our choice). It wasn’t too busy, so at times it felt like we had the place to ourselves, but never for too long.

Branches from a snowy fir tree framing a view into a misty, snowy mountainside.
Looking out from under the boughs of a snow laden tree.
A partial view through the mist across a snowy valley.
The mist subsides for a moment.
A few snowy trees in the foreground with thick mist beyond.
The mist is back.

There were some impressive looking trees.

Two tall fir trees covered in snow.
A couple of tall trees.
A single shorter fir tree covered in snow.
A single, snowy tree.

Later on, perhaps around lunch time, the mist did lift completely.

A fairly clear view across a snow covered valley, with snowy trees, and a thin line of dense cloud in the distance.
Looking approximately north/north-east across the valley.
A clear view of snow capped mountains in the distance, looking down a valley with snowy fir trees.
Looking north-west down the valley.

Overall this was an easy snowy hike in snowshoes, which had spectacular views once the mist lifted. Even before that it was still very pleasant enjoying the odd sparkle of sun on the snow, and the fir trees looming into view as we progressed.

The route is continually goes up and down, so while it averages out to approximately level, you end up performing a non-trivial amount of elevation gain. This looked like good fun for some of the skiiers because it meant there were regular little slopes to ski down, followed by gentle inclines. From the map it looks like the road carries on a bit further, with some forks, but we chose to turn back before the very end.