¿Something for everyone¿ maybe the best way to describe what the 2.2 million acre WenatcheeNational Forest has to offer its visitors. The Wenatchee Forest covers an area approximately40 miles wide and 140 miles in length, encompassing much of Chelan,Kittitas, and Yakima counties. It stretches from upper Lake Chelanon the north to the Yakama Indian Reservation on the south. The vegetation varies with the elevation,from the sagebrush and pine covered slopes at 2,000 feet, to higherelevation areas with alpine fir and mountain huckleberry, to thecrest of the Cascade Mountain range at 8,000 feet and above wherevegetation is sparse. Approximately 40 percent of the WenatcheeForest is designated as Wilderness in seven Wilderness Areas. Here, foot travelis the only method of transportation allowed, and the land ismanaged in such a way as to preserve its natural, primitive condition. Wenatchee Forest campgrounds meet a varietyof camping needs. Over 100 campgrounds and picnic sites provideroom for a total of 13,000 people at any one time. Some campgroundshave sites designed for tent camping, for camper truck use, andfor use by those pulling a trailer. Other campgrounds have areasspecially designed for campers who bring their horses for trailriding. Still other areas have been developed with the trail bikeenthusiast¿s camping needs in mind. Both single family andmulti-family camping sites may be found. In addition to camping variety, the WenatcheeForest offers many other recreation opportunities. There are approximately5,000 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 thewinter, snow-covered roads are used for cross-country skiing,snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Trail users will find about 2,500 milesof recreation trails available for hiking, horse use, trail biking,and mountain pedal bike use. The winter months also bring opportunitiesfor cross-country ski trips along developed, signed trail systems.Some trails are open to a variety of uses, while others are restrictedto non-motoroized use alone. A variety of informational material isavailable free from any Wenatchee Forest office. Recreation mapswhich display campgrounds, roads, trails, and other special featuresof the Wenatchee Forest are available for purchase at $4.00 plustax.

Hiking : Hikers of all ages can choose from over 2,500 miles of recreation trails of varying length and difficulty on the Wenatchee National Forest. There are low-elevation trails in the sage-covered fringes of the forest, trails in the timbered zones, and high country trails traversing alpine terrain. Almost half of these trails are within classified Wilderness. Several ¿barrier-free¿ trails have also been developed adjacent to recreation sites to provide access to those with physical challenges.

Biking : Bikers of all ages can choose from hundreds of miles of recreation trails and roads of varying length and difficulty on the Wenatchee National Forest. There are low-elevation trails in the sage-covered fringes of the forest (great for springtime rides), trails in the timbered zones, and high country trails traversing alpine terrain. Remember that wilderness areas are closed to bikes. The links below show the trails that are open for mountain biking. Some of the more popular areas to ride are the Devils Gulch area (Leavenworth), Lower Chiwawa (Lake Wenatchee), Lake Creek (Entiat) and Echo Ridge Ski Area (Chelan). Contact the Ranger District office where you want to ride for more specific information and maps.

Horse-Riding : Much of the Wenatchee National Forest is horse country. Meandering trails, open pine stands, and many inviting high country areas are a rider¿s dream. Horse use is a very popular pastime on the Wenatchee Forest and there are many locations and facilities available for horse users.

Following is a list of Horse Camps or facilities that are available in the Wenatchee National Forest. Please note that camping fees or Trail Park Passes are required at most of the following sites.

There are 125 campgrounds and picnic areas on the six Ranger Districts of the Wenatchee National Forest. Camp spots are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Several of the larger campgrounds also offer group reservation opportunities. During the summer months, weekends are usually very busy. To avoid crowds, try timing your visit for mid-week.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE : Upon arrival check out the entire campground to find the site that will best suite your needs. Are there special rules that will affect your recreation activities? Are some areas for day use only? Are some sites better suited to tents or trailers than other sites? Some areas allow for saddle or pack animals; others do not. Set up your campsite only if you intend to stay; others may need to use the site. Is there plenty of room at the site you selected? Remember to keep your car and trailer on the surfaced area/drive through/parking pad so no damage occurs to trees and their roots.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE : Use a closed bucket or other similar receptacle for garbage from your trailer and campsite. Keep the faucet area cleansoap residues can build up under the faucet and hamper proper drainage. Take water back to your campsite for personal hygiene, cleaning fish, washing dishes, etc. or use special facilities when they are provided. Use the fire ring or fire pit provided. Please remember, be careful not to hurt or destroy any of the native plants in the area.

If camping at a "pack-it-out" campground, please take your garbage with you; don't stash it in the toilets, as this fills them quickly and makes them impossible to pump and clean.

WHEN YOU LEAVE : Did you remember to take all your gear? Check the area, will the next camper to use the area think you were a good neighbor? A good rule of thumb is to leave the campsite looking better than it did when you arrived.

OTHER "GOOD NEIGHBOR" CAMPING SUGGESTIONS: * Keep radios/music turned low; sound really carries outside.

* Run generators only when it won't disturb others or interfere with other campers' sleep.

* Encourage children to refrain from loud, boisterous play while near other campsites.

* Gather firewood only from designated areas, and then only dead and down wood.

* Pick up litter that other people leave; everyone has a stake in keeping an area beautiful.

* Keep pets under control at all times.

* Don't drive nails into or tie wire around trees. This opens the way for insects and other plant diseases. * Drive vehicles cautiously through campgrounds.

* Ride motorcycles only where they are designated and where they do not disturb other campers' peace and quiet.

1

1

© 2017-2024 nationalparks.world