Swakane Peak — Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025

A buddy and I started around noon from the bottom of where Swakane Rd gets rough, around the shooting range. Hiked up the road to the Swakane Trailhead turnoff maybe 2 miles up, then went right, up the closed road which was in good condition for a hiking trail. Went another 6 miles up the aptly named road "Rattlesnake" which had some thick snow patches and downed trees along it near the top 2 miles, but which were never even remotely impassible. After maybe 4 hours of hiking from the bottom we reached the last summit push before swakane peak, only a 0.3 mile hike to the top, but only if you take the direct way and scramble some rocks. My dog Hazzie was not a fan. At the top we had pretty killer views of Waterville, Keystone Point and the Entiat Mountains, a little edge-view of the Enchantments, and a commanding view of Wenatchee and deep into Malaga as well as the slightest view of what I found to be Mt. Rainier, though it was extremely faded and distant. We regrettably took a direct route down the mountain to cut back to the road sooner, as daylight was waning, and we did save about 4-5 miles on the downhike because of this... but the wildflowers were difficult to avoid trampling as they covered the ground like thick grass. Took us maybe 6 hours and 11 miles roundtrip, would very much suggest this hike for some good elevation gain and views if you have the time for it.