Lookout Natural Area

Protecting a New Place for People and Wildlife in the Wenatchee Foothills 

The Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee are thrilled to be making progress on a project that builds on decades of community-driven conservation in the Wenatchee Foothills. Lookout Natural Area, a 134-acre landscape just north of Wenatchee near the Sunnyslope area, will offer a new place for people and nature to thrive together.

The name Lookout was chosen in partnership with the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT). Ernie Brooks and Sharon Covington worked with the Language Program at CCT to identify the name of the place. In the Nxaʔamxcín language of the šnp̍əšqʷáw̉šəxʷ tribe, čkuwáx̌qən is the name for Lookout (Click here to listen to the pronunciation). The šnp̍əšqʷáw̉šəxʷ are the Tribe of the Colville Confederated Tribes that took care of this land, lived off the land, and welcomed others. The šnp̍əšqʷáw̉šəxʷ are the people that belonged to the lands that are now called the Wenatchee Valley. The name Lookout honors the landscape’s cultural significance and sweeping views, while capturing the spirit of a place where people and nature can thrive together.

Over the coming months, the Land Trust will work with key partners and supporters to secure the future of this remarkable land. The project will permanently protect 134 acres of wildlife habitat, create a new trailhead and public access, and ensure the long-term stewardship of this beloved landscape as Wenatchee grows.

Where Is Lookout Natural Area 

Located just north of Wenatchee near the Sunnyslope area, Lookout Natural Area sits at the edge of town and at the gateway to more than 168,000 acres of connected public lands managed by state and federal partners. Its location makes it uniquely positioned to protect important habitat while providing future access to nature close to home.

View the project map to explore the location and surrounding protected lands.

Public Access at Lookout Natural Area

Public access at Lookout Natural Area will be carefully planned to balance recreation, wildlife protection, and respect for neighboring properties. Limited access will be developed in collaboration with the City of Wenatchee, pending the securing of funding for a permanent trailhead. Trail planning will include community engagement to ensure recreational opportunities align with conservation goals. Once a formal trailhead is developed, there will be an increased opportunity for access and recreation. Please respect our process- there will be no public access until a later date, when we will welcome the community to enjoy the property.

What Access Could Look Like

• Free, non-motorized recreation similar to Sage Hills
• Potential uses include walking, running, and mountain biking
• Multi-use trails designed for long-term sustainability
• Seasonal closure from December 1 to April 1 to protect mule deer winter range
• A welcoming trailhead with parking, restroom facilities, and interpretive signage accessed via Ohme Gardens Road

Learn more about public access planning (PDF).

Wildlife and Conservation Values

An Ecological Stronghold in a Developing Area

Nestled between the City of Wenatchee and over 168,000 acres of connected public lands managed by state and federal partners, Lookout Natural Area is a landscape that plays an important role in regional conservation. It protects fragile shrub-steppe habitat and supports vital mule deer winter range and migration corridors. It is also home to bighorn sheep and a variety of native plants, offering unique wildlife viewing and educational opportunities. Following the 2021 wildfire, the area now offers a natural classroom for understanding and supporting habitat recovery and resilience.

A Safe Haven for Wildlife

Protected lands like Lookout Natural Area provide intact habitat where wildlife can move, feed, and winter undisturbed. Due to its lower elevation, Lookout provides important forage during winter months, the time of year when wildlife’s survival is most uncertain. This property is contiguous with the Swakane Wildlife Unit, making it an important link for bighorn sheep and wintering mule deer as it offers continuity with protected high-quality habitat.

Home to Remarkable Biodiversity

The landscape’s dramatic topography—cliffs, hillslopes, and swales across multiple aspects—supports a diversity of species throughout the year. Steep cliff terrain provides escape habitat for bighorn sheep and nesting and perching areas for species of greatest conservation need, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. These same cliffs are home to Chelan rockmat, a rare plant found nowhere else in the world.

Recovery After Wildfire

Wildfire has shaped this landscape for generations. Fire-resistant native grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers naturally re-sprout, while shaded cliff-top refuges serve as seed sources for recovery. CDLT plans to collaborate with agency partners and researchers to enhance restoration efforts and utilize the Lookout Natural Area as a venue for learning about climate resilience and ecological succession.

Read the full Wildlife Conservation Overview (PDF).

Community Support for Lookout

The Lookout Natural Area reflects years of planning and strong community partnership. Leaders from across the region have expressed their support for protecting this special place.

“When I think about the Foothills Campaign ten years ago, I see how it shaped who we are as a community. This new campaign continues that legacy- protecting land, connecting people to nature, and strengthening both our quality of life and our local economy. The Lookout Natural Area will be a place where we can hike, bike, or simply sit and take in the view. It’s something we can all be proud of and something we can all help protect.”

Bob Bugert, Former CDLT Executive Director and Chelan County Commissioner

“The Lookout campaign addresses the lack of public access to the foothills north of town at a time when rapid development us occuring in the area. When completed it will provide a beautiful viewscape, trail opportunities, and habitat for bighorn sheep, all in permanent conservation.

The opportunity is now and the time to act is now. Please join the effort and add another jewel to our treasured foothills!” 

Eliot Scull, longtime conservationist and community leader

“Our grandfather felt the power of this landscape long before we were born. It is where we learned to walk. Preserving it as a place for the community to walk feels like completing his vision,” 

Kevin, Greg and Brian Ohme, brothers, who owned the Lookout property with their cousin Susan Ohme Russo.

Read all project endorsements (PDF).

How You Can Help Protect Lookout

Your support helps secure the land, steward wildlife habitat, and create responsible public access for generations to come.

Ways to Give

• One-time or multi-year gifts
• Gifts from donor advised funds or family foundations
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
• Gifts of appreciated stocks or securities
• Corporate and foundation matching gifts
• Planned gifts that leave a lasting legacy

We are grateful for the grant support from Washington State's Recreation and Conservation Office, which will help us protect this property and increase recreational opportunities in the Wenatchee Valley.

Explore many ways to make a gift (PDF).
To discuss giving options, contact Angela Morris at [email protected] 

Donor Recognition

We are grateful for the generosity of those who help make the protection of Lookout Natural Area possible. Donors will be recognized in meaningful ways that reflect their commitment to conservation and community.

View donor recognition opportunities (PDF).

What’s Next

In 2026, CDLT and partners will focus on completing the acquisition, advancing stewardship planning, and beginning community conversations about trails and access. Trail connections, restoration efforts, and public amenities will take shape thoughtfully over time.

We look forward to sharing more as this project evolves—and to welcoming the community to Lookout Natural Area in the years ahead.

Learn More

• Click on the arrows on the right side of the image below or Download the Lookout Natural Area Project Brochure (PDF)

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