Nason Ridge Snowshoe

There are a number of nice, moderate distance snowshoe trails available around the Lake Wenatchee area, one at both Lake Wenatchee State Park North and South, one at the Chiwawa See and Ski parking area and this snowshoe up the base of the Nason Ridge trail.

The route along Nason Ridge is the nicest, with excellent views over Lake Wenatchee, Fish Lake, and across Lake Wenatchee to Dirty Face.

The first half-mile of this snowshoe is across the Kahler Glen Golf Course. As you drive into Kahler Glen, there will be a sign to the right to the summer trail head, ignore, go left to the golf course for winter parking (Groomed Sno Park Permit required).  From the parking area, cross the street to the golf course, where there is a community organized ice rink on the driving range pond, behind the cart barn. This is where your route snowshoe starts.

Most years, small blue signs mark a snowshoe access trail found directly across the street from the entrance to the parking area. This trail heads west, adjacent to the hanging net of the gold course driving range. Alternatively, head due west on the golf course, keeping the road on your left and the groomed crosscountry ski track on your right. Please stay off the groomed trail, as snowshoes can pack down the snow irregularly for skiers. You are heading for the cement water storage tank at the base of Nason Ridge, where you might see an informal sled run below the water tank.

Once you reach the water tank, there is a trail marked with blue tape and trail markers heading up to Nason Ridge.

The Nason Ridge trail climbs modestly up the north side of the ridge. Within a half mile, views open to the north on the right. Look down on Emerald Island, the pretty, small forested island that is off the beach at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

For most of the hike the forest was has been selectively thinned, which enhances the light and the views. You will cross a number of small seasonal creeks, all easily negotiated. As you proceed, Dirty Face towers above the north shore of Lake Wenatchee. You can also see frozen Fish Lake to the northeast, while Chiwawa Valley heads north. Farther to the east lie the Entiat Mountains.

A little over a mile from the water tower you will come upon “Big Red”, a spectacular Ponderosa pine. This is a great turnaround point.

WTA Pro Tip: You can continue another mile or so where the trail crosses Nason Ridge on a low saddle, another 450 vertical feet and just under a mile from Big Red. At this point the groomed cross country trails from Nason Creek that climb the south side of Nason Ridge are accessible. For the adventurous, pack your cross country skis, and you can ski back to your car, approximately 9 miles from this junction.