No matter the trail you choose, hiking around Entiat provides a chance to connect with the raw beauty of Washington’s wilderness. The area’s diverse landscape, ranging from river valleys to alpine ridges, ensures that hikers can find the perfect adventure, whether it's a leisurely nature walk or a challenging mountain ascent. With its peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views, Entiat offers a hiking experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories of the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. Look at the popular hikes below to find the perfect Entiat hike, or use the map to discover an off the beaten path trail in the Entiat Valley.
For those seeking a shorter, family-friendly hike, the Silver Falls Trail is a must. This 1.8-mile loop trail leads to a spectacular 141-foot waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff face, especially impressive in the spring when the snowmelt is at its peak. The trail itself is well-maintained and offers shaded paths through dense forest, making it a pleasant hike even on warmer summer days. It's a relatively easy hike, but the payoff of seeing Silver Falls is stunning and memorable.
The Entiat River Trail is one of the most popular routes, offering a moderately easy hike that takes you deep into the heart of the Entiat Valley. The trail parallels the pristine Entiat River, leading through lush, forested terrain filled with towering pines, firs, and cedar trees. Along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic river views, the sound of rushing water, and the chance to see wildlife such as deer, eagles, and possibly black bears. In the spring and summer, wildflowers line the path, creating a colorful display. In the fall, the changing leaves paint the valley in hues of orange and gold, making it a particularly beautiful time to hike.
The Lower Mad River Trail stretches for approximately 14 miles, beginning near the Pine Flat Campground. It winds through dense forests of pine, fir, and cedar, offering plenty of shade and relief from the summer sun. The trail follows the Mad River for much of its course, providing hikers with soothing sounds of the flowing water and the chance to spot trout and other wildlife along the riverbanks. As you make your way along the trail, you'll encounter a variety of terrain, from gentle, flat stretches to more rocky, narrow sections. The first 3 miles of the hike are relatively flat and great for families.
For experienced hikers looking for a true challenge, the Devil's Backbone Trail is a high-elevation ridge trail that delivers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Entiat Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail is strenuous, with significant elevation gain, but the reward is worth the effort. You'll find yourself on a narrow ridgeline with sweeping views of the Cascades. This trail is best tackled in late summer or early fall, as snow can linger on the higher elevations well into the season.
For more adventurous hikers, the North Fork Entiat River Trail provides a more rugged, backcountry experience. This trail takes you deeper into the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering a more challenging route with steeper inclines and rougher terrain. The trail leads through alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and up into higher elevations where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. This is a great trail for those looking to backpack and camp, as there are numerous campsites along the way, and the more remote sections offer solitude and an immersive wilderness