Chelan, WA: Crow Hill
This 4.8-mile hike climbs to a 7,366-foot summit surrounded by meadows, wildlife, and massive views.
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Stunning scenery surrounds you from the start of this lasso loop in the mountains above Lake Chelan. Look for Mount Stuart to the south at the trailhead (one of the highest trailheads in the state). Start by hiking west on an old, rocky jeep track, passing a stand of fire-burned trees that line the ridge’s north face. Keep an eye out for American three-toed woodpeckers along this stretch.
Less than half a mile in, veer left onto a trail that travels past a thin pine forest and grassy slopes punctuated with wildflowers. Climb back to the roadbed and head southwest on the next stretch of trail, watching the sky for raptors riding the thermals above the ridge. Before beginning the descent at mile 2.1, turn right and climb southeast up game trails for the final 0.2-mile stretch to the summit.
From the top of Crow Hill, Lake Chelan stretches out to the northeast. In the fall, golden larch trees frame views of the Entiat Mountains to the southwest. The return route descends Crow Hill’s southwest ridge and reconnects with the main trail.
-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography
