Nason Ridge Snowshoe

There are a number of nice, moderate distance snowshoe trails available around the Lake Wenatchee area, one at Lake Wenatchee State Park North and one at 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 where your route snowshoe starts (elevation 1,950 feet). 

Small blue signs will 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. 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 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.

At 1.8 miles from the parking lot, you will come upon “Big Red,” a spectacular Ponderosa pine. This is the first turning point. Continue past Big Red for an additional mile to visit the Nason Ridge warming hut at elevation 3,200 feet. The hut is at the intersection of the snowshoe trail and the groomed XC trails, and has a wood stove.

A second option has been added to the trail: 50 feet beyond Big Red, a trail goes up and to the left. This trail connects over to an abandoned logging road that gently climbs up the ridge for a mile. There is a good view point at the top. This also climbs up to 3,200 feet. 

WTA Pro Tip: For the adventurous, pack your cross country skis, and you can ski back to your car, approximately 9 miles from this junction.