Wenatchee Foothills

A rolling 2-mile trail that traverses the northern portion of the lower Foothills, connecting Kenzie's Landing Trailhead, at the end of Maiden Lane, to the bottom of Horse Lake Road. Open during daylight hours.

Working together, we accomplished the 100-year community goal of acquiring and protecting Saddle Rock forever.

In recent years, development has threatened or eliminated access to areas in the foothills that local people have enjoyed for decades. The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust stepped forward to implement the community’s goal to protect the habitat, vistas, and public access that define the western edge of Wenatchee.

Hikers, runners, and bikers in the Wenatchee Valley have long known that the foothills provide amazing recreation and scenery. But in 2001, development threatened access to this local resource.

The Wenatchee Foothills are a local treasure that symbolize why many people live in north central Washington—natural beauty, open space, and unparalleled recreational access just outside city limits. The beautiful, rolling shrub steppe is home to mule deer and Western Meadowlark.

The 35.7 acre Castle Rock Natural Area is adjacent to Castle Rock, off Castlerock Ave. This property provides safe, legal access to Castle Rock and eventually, to public lands west of Castle Rock.

Broadview Canyon's 52 undeveloped acres sit at the edge of the Wenatchee Foothills. The land, which will be added to Wenatchee’s permanently protected open space, is a key access point to pristine lands and outdoor recreation. This project is a key piece of the Land Trust's work to systematically preserve key lands along the foothills.

The Wenatchee Foothills Trail system north of Fifth Street reopens to hikers and bikers today. The trail system was closed after the Sleepy Hollow Fire burned through portions of the area June 28.

With the successful completion of the recent $8.67 million Wenatchee Foothills Campaign, land protected in the foothills west of Wenatchee for people and wildlife has doubled. Now our community has new opportunities, with expanded possibilities for exploring, hiking, mountain biking and riding horses. Increased use also presents new challenges.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the Trust for Public Lands had a big party Friday night to celebrate one of the region's most extraordinary capital campaign successes ever that is transforming our valley and creating momentum for the future.