Day Hike - Wenatchee Foothills Trails

Trip

Day Hike - Wenatchee Foothills Trails

This hike will lead us through breathtaking balsamroot flower fields, then up to higher elevations, where we’ll take in stunning views of the Enchantments and enjoy even more spring blooms. - We begin and end at Horse Lake Trailhead where I've mapped out a loop connecting several trails in the Horse Lake Preserve area.

  • Moderate
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 10.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.75 mph
  • FULL, 3 on waitlist (10 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Mon, Mar 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM
  • Mon, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Join me for what I consider to be one of the most beautiful spring bloom hikes in the state! May is my birthday month, and I love leading this hike in celebration of another year around the sun :-) 

I've rated this hike as challenging due to the mileage. It nearly 11 miles with no forest canopy for shade. It's often quite warm, even in May. (Might not be a great option for those sensitive to hiking in the heat). We will have to carry all of our water for the day as there is no water source for filtering. We will also be on unmaintained trails at times. 

A note about how I navigate pace: I posted this hike between 1.5-2.75 mph. I range 1.5-1.8 mph going up steeper inclines and declines. Otherwise, my pace ranges between 2 - 2.75 mph. Participants will need to be ok with my pace ranges. 

Trip Goals: 

  • To immerse ourselves in the beauty of the landscape 
  • Observe and appreciate local plants & flowers
  • Have fun and make social connections
  • To complete an approximately 11-mile loop, & enjoy sunshine (I'm counting on lots of sun!) balsamroot, spring time blooms and views! 

Trip Expectations: 

  • That you're on time at the parking lot prepared and ready to be social and engaging.
  • That we stay together as a group (to see one another at all times) and build community and trust with one another. 
  • That you prepare for this hike, with sufficient nutrition, hydration and stamina.
  • That we treat one another with respect, compassion and understanding.

Trip Style: 

  • I'm an inclusive leader: compassionate and approachable
  • While destination focused for this walk, I also appreciate nature and pointing out the beauty that we see around us.
  • I'm a leader who appreciates engaged participants where teamwork and community are priority
  • I am firm and definitive with logistics and my expectations, yet willing to provide flexibility if the situation allows
  • Horse Lake Trailhead: 47.46231, -120.38300
  • Meeting time9:00 am - this means arriving at the trailhead no later than 8:45 AM
    • There are bathrooms at the trailhead. 
    • Road is appropriate for all cars - no high clearance required, although it is a long dusty, gravel road. 

Parking pass not required

Route/Place

Wenatchee Foothills Trails


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
Trip Reports