Wildflower Viewing

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 Chelan-Douglas Land Trust responded with the Save the Sage campaign, rallying local support to preserve this community asset.

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

In 2000, the Jacobson family left a permanent legacy to the Wenatchee community when it donated 35 acres of prime shrub-steppe habitat in the Wenatchee Foothills to the Land Trust.  This gift guarantees permanent community access to enjoy the beauty of the foothills.

When you stand in the middle of Horse Lake Ranch, you stand in the middle of a conservation success story.

Foothills North Natural Area’s 382 acres of shrub-steppe habitat provides stunning views of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers, vital homes for wildlife, and an important trail connection.

The Fariview Canyon property connects Horse Lake Reserve with the adjoining National Forest, protecting the vital link that allows wildlife to move from the mountains to the valley. Mule deer use this migration corridor to access their winter range in the Wenatchee Foothills.

This is a great area where you can make your trip as short or as long as you like.

The main loop follows Mountain Home Road to the top of a saddle and has great views of Wedge Mountain and the Enchantments.

The Jacobson family left a permanent legacy to the Wenatchee community when it donated 35 acres of prime shrub-steppe habitat in the Wenatchee Foothills to the Land Trust.

This is a 2 mile trail with 500 feet of total elevation difference between either end, connecting to the bottom end of Apricot Crisp near the old Horse Lake bed, and also to the ranch road just above the old ranch homesteads.

This trail is in the upper elevations of the Horse Lake Reserve and meanders through some wonderful wildflower patches, big fir trees, viewpoints of the Cascade Mountains, and birding territory. The trail can be reached by following the Old Ranch Road from the gate, or by taking Homestead Trail to where it connects to the Old Ranch Road.