Wenatchee National Forest

The Wenatchee Forest covers an area approximately 40 miles wide and 140 miles in length, encompassing much of Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties. It stretches from upper Lake Chelan on the north to the Yakima Indian Reservation on the south.

The vegetation varies with the elevation, from the sagebrush and pine covered slopes at 2,000 feet, to higher elevation areas with alpine fir and mountain huckleberry, to the crest of the Cascade Mountain range at 8,000 feet and above where vegetation is sparse.

Approximately 40 percent of the Wenatchee Forest is designated as Wilderness in seven Wilderness Areas: Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, Glacier Peak, Henry M. Jackson, Alpine Lakes, William O. Douglas, Norse Peak, and Goat Rocks. Here, foot travel is the only method of transportation allowed, and the land is managed in such a way as to preserve its natural, primitive condition. There are no developments or roads in Wilderness

The remaining 60 percent of the Forest is managed to provide multiple uses to its public owners. On these lands, activities such as timber harvest, livestock grazing, road building, woodcutting, developed camping, and off-road vehicles are common.

Attractions - The Wenatchee National Forest covers 2.2 million acres. The vegetation varies with the elevation, from the sagebrush and pine covered slopes at 2,000 feet, to higher elevation areas with alpine fir and mountain huckleberry, to the crest of the Cascade Mountain range at 8,000 feet and above where vegetation is sparse.

Approximately 40 percent of the Wenatchee Forest is designated as Wilderness in seven Wilderness Areas: Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, Glacier Peak, Henry M. Jackson, Alpine Lakes, William O. Douglas, Norse Peak, and Goat Rocks.

Recreation - The Wenatchee is noted for its wide range of recreation opportunities. Wenatchee Forest campgrounds meet a variety of camping needs. There are over 100 campgrounds, for tent or RV camping. Some are specially designed for campers who bring their horses for trail riding and other areas have been developed with the trail bike enthusiasts camping needs in mind. Single family, multifamily and group camping sites may be found. Most campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and charge camping fees.

There are approximately 5,000 miles of forest roads which provide access to campgrounds, trailheads, scenic vistas, woodcutting and berry picking
areas, hunting areas, rockhounding areas, lakes, and streams. In the winter, snow-covered roads are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Trail users will find about 2,500 miles of recreation trails available for hiking, horse use, trail biking, and mountain pedal bike use. The winter months also bring opportunities for cross-country ski trips along developed, signed trail systems.

Climate - Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights characterize the climate during the summer; during the winter, subzero night time temperatures are not unusual, but days are frequently sunny.

Location - The Wenatchee National Forest extends about 135 miles along the east side of the crest of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. It stretches from upper Lake Chelan on the north to the Yakima Indian Reservation on the south. The Forest Headquarters is located in Wenatchee, Washington, with District Offices in Chelen, Cle Elum, Entiat, Leavenworth and Naches.