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Wenatchee Ridge provides snowshoers with well-earned mountain views of the Cascade Wilderness. After a lengthy uphill trek that climbs to the top of Wenatchee Ridge, idyllic views of Dirtyface Peak, Mount Mastiff, and Lake Wenatchee are a great reward. The climb and distance make this a full day, and the effort is worth it
Starting at an easy to find sno-park, this route sticks to unplowed Forest Service roads. Elevation gain is slight for the first few miles, and many of the far reaching peaks of the Mount Mastiff range pop up between clearings in the forest. For an easier route, stick just to the beginning of the route before the real climb starts. With plenty of mountain views, Pacific Northwest forest, and glimpses of the Little Wenatchee River, it's a great introduction to the joys of snowshoeing.
For the more adventurous, take the well-marked route up the mountain and begin the climb after following the Little Wenatchee River for roughly 2.5 miles. It's a pretty steady uphill, and at times you may be rethinking your decision to make the trek, but once you get to the mountain vista views the higher elevation allows, you'll realize it was well worth it. Their are a couple of forks in the road on your way up, and they all lead to a different part of the ridge. Each leads to its own spectacular perspective on the winter wonderland spread out for miles before you.
Recommended Gear
Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear!
Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:
Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe
Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz
Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket
Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX
Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry
Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack
35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible
Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry
Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon
Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket
Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem
Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole
Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.
$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves
Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX
Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry
Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot
Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated
Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry
Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry
Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter
Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant
Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI
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