Saddle Rock Natural Area

You are warmly invited to join CDLT and artist-conservationist Jeanne Dodds for a two-hour workshop exploring local native Columbia Basin plants, wildlife and places. You will explore Wenatchee area ecology through the visual arts, learning about natural science illustration techniques including graphite drawing and watercolor.

Join CDLT, North Central Regional Library & LINK for a special nature-themed storytime and activities!

LINK Bus will pick up patrons at 9:45 am Wenatchee Public Library (30 S. Wenatchee Ave.) A bilingual story will be shared during the bus ride to Saddle Rock.  

This event is full - please contact Hillary at [email protected] to inquire about a waitlist.

Did you know that gold mining is a huge part of Wenatchee’s history?

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has given what locals know as “Saddle Rock” an official name: Saddle Rock

Native American legend tells of Black Bear and Grizzly Bear constantly bickering until one day Coyote turned them both to stone, forming what early pioneers and settlers referred to as “Squaw Saddle”.

WENATCHEE — With 25 tons of arsenic-contaminated rock and soil, an articulating dump truck slowly moves down the lower end of Saddle Rock an average of 25 times a day. The truck can swivel in front of its load, able to make the sharp corners of the dirt road down the mountain.

Join the North Central Regional Library and Chelan-Douglas Land Trust for a morning of scientific observation and creative art with an all ages nature journal activity and story.

Join Conservation Fellow, Susan Ballinger, to locate and take a series of photographs that allow CDLT to monitor post-fire recovery by native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. Assist with re-taking photos at 7 permanent photo points within the 2014 wildfire footprint on both Saddle Rock City Park and Jacobson Preserve.

WENATCHEE — Though normally prohibited, ATVs will be on Saddle Rock next week. GeoEngineers will use them for surveying as part of a project involving removing waste rock piles.

Learn how to use binoculars, compass, magnifying glass, an insect catcher, identify plants and animals, and learn about cool hikes in our valley. NCRL and CDLT will provide fun nature activities at the trailhead. Check out a nature backpack and nature books from the bookmobile.  Afterwards, considering taking your own hike up the trail.

NOTE:  Due to the rainy weather, we will be under the picnic shelters at Saddle Rock.

Hear a traditional story told in its spectacular setting. Join Colville tribal member Randy Lewis and author Bill Layman for a reading of their new book, Red Star and Blue Star Defeat Spexman.