Entiat Things To Do

Entiat
Things To Do

Things To Do in Entiat

Entiat, may be a small town, but it offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions that make it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Entiat offers a peaceful yet adventure-filled destination where you can enjoy everything from riverfront relaxation to rugged mountain exploration. Whether you're camping under the stars, fishing in the rivers, or hiking through forests, Entiat is a place that brings you close to nature and provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read below for some of the top things to do in Entiat.

things to do

Boating

 
Boating is a popular activity during the summer months in Entiat. Lake Entiat, caused by the damming of the Columbia River at Rocky Reach Dam offers a serene experience, with waters backed by the Cascade Mountains and surrounded by a mix of rugged and scenic terrain. Lake Entiat is known for its tranquil waters and mild currents, making it a favorite spot for both leisure and fishing boats. The Entiat River joins the Columbia here, creating a diverse ecosystem that draws anglers looking for trout, bass, and salmon, especially in the warmer months. The Entiat City Park offers a boat launch, beach areas, and plenty of space to dock for a picnic or some exploration on land. From the river, boaters can take in sweeping views of the mountains, spot bald eagles, ospreys, and occasional deer along the riverbanks, and admire the beautiful homes and vineyards nestled along the shoreline. Summers offer warm, sunny days ideal for water sports, tubing, and kayaking, while fall and spring bring a more peaceful setting with fewer visitors. Whether you're looking to fish, cruise, or simply soak in the natural beauty, boating in Entiat is a fantastic way to experience Washington's diverse landscapes from the water.
Box Canyon Viewpoint

Box Canyon Viewpoint

 
Box Canyon Viewpoint is nestled within the Entiat Mountains and is a captivating destination for those seeking natural beauty and adventure. This narrow, steep-walled canyon is formed by the Entiat River as it carves through ancient volcanic rock, creating a rugged and picturesque landscape. The area around Box Canyon offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear water, and views of Fish Trail waterfall. While it's relatively off the beaten path a ways up the Entiat Valley, Box Canyon rewards visitors with solitude, stunning landscapes, and a unique glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Cascade Mountains.
Camping

Camping

 

Camping around Entiat, Washington, offers a peaceful escape into nature, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cascade Mountains, lush forests, and the flowing waters of the Entiat and Columbia Rivers. Whether you prefer a fully equipped campground with amenities like the Entiat Riverfront Park or a more primitive, backcountry experience like the Cottonwood Campground, Entiat’s diverse landscape has something for every camper. View our Entiat Campgrounds page for more information.

Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center

 
The Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center is a unique and educational destination dedicated to the history, science, and ecology of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. Established to honor the role that fire plays in shaping the region’s landscape, this interpretive center provides visitors with insights into fire ecology, wildfire prevention, and firefighting techniques. The center features a variety of exhibits, including historical firefighting equipment, interactive displays about fire behavior, and informative panels explaining how wildfires affect local plant and animal species. A highlight of the center is the outdoor trail system, which takes visitors through natural landscapes where they can observe fire’s impact on different ecosystems, such as Ponderosa pine and shrub-steppe habitats. These trails are designed to demonstrate the effects of fire on forest health, showcasing both fire-scarred trees and areas of new growth.

Dirt Biking

 
Dirt biking around Entiat offers riders an exhilarating mix of rugged trails, steep inclines, and scenic mountain views in the Cascade Range. Known for its diverse terrain, the Entiat area is a playground for off-road enthusiasts, with trails that range from challenging singletrack to wide open dirt paths suitable for riders of various skill levels. The Tommy Creek area is particularly popular among dirt bikers, featuring a network of routes that include tight switchbacks, technical rock sections, and thrilling hill climbs through thick pine forests and alpine meadows. The Devil's Backbone trail is also a favorite, a high-elevation trail with expansive views of both the Entiat Valley and the Chelan Valley.
Entiat Falls

Entiat Falls

 
Entiat Falls is a stunning natural waterfall located within the rugged terrain of the Entiat Valley. This secluded and picturesque waterfall cascades through rock formations, surrounded by dense forests and alpine scenery that exemplifies the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. The falls vary in size depending on the season, with spring snowmelt often resulting in a more powerful and dramatic flow, while the waters run a bit gentler in summer and early fall. While it's a long drive up Entiat Valley to reach the falls, they are right off the road and easily accessible. The area around the falls is pristine, providing a peaceful spot for picnicking, photography, and simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the cascading water.
Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage

 
Fall foliage around Entiat, is a vibrant display of colors set against the stunning backdrop of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. As autumn takes hold, the deciduous trees along the Entiat Valley, particularly the aspens, maples, and cottonwoods, begin to turn brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange, transforming the landscape into a painter’s palette of warm hues. The Entiat River Road provides an ideal route for a scenic drive or bike ride, following the river as it winds through the valley. Along the way, visitors can stop at viewpoints to capture photos or enjoy a hike through one of the many trails that branch off into the forests. While the Mad River Road, off of Entiat River Road, offers exceptional Bigleaf Maple viewing. For people interested in Larches, there are beautiful stands of larches at higher elevations in the Entiat Valley, but note, the trails are long and strenuous.

Fire Lookouts

 
The fire lookouts in Entiat Valley, Washington, are historic and scenic structures perched high in the Cascade Mountains, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's wildfire monitoring heritage. These lookouts, originally built to spot wildfires in the rugged terrain, are now popular hiking destinations and provide unmatched panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, peaks, and forests. The Tyee Mountain lookout is located deep in the mountains and provides breathtaking overlooks that reveal the Entiat River Valley, rolling hills, and, on clear days, even distant peaks of the North Cascades. It is available for rental June through October. The Steliko Lookout is located a few miles off of Entiat River Road at an elevation of 2,586 feet and is also available for rental throughout the year, but during the winter months reaching the lookout requires a 2 mile trek through snow.
Fishing

Fishing

 
Fishing around Entiat, Washington, offers a peaceful and rewarding experience, with a variety of waters teeming with fish set against the stunning scenery of the Entiat Valley and the Columbia River. The Entiat River is a prime spot, particularly in spring and fall when it draws anglers looking to catch rainbow trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon. Its cool, clear waters flow through scenic forested areas, providing both great fishing opportunities and tranquil surroundings. Farther downstream, the Entiat River flows into the Columbia, where anglers can find bass, walleye, and additional salmon species, especially during seasonal runs. Entiat’s quiet fishing spots, such as areas around the mouth of the Entiat River, offer easy access for shoreline fishing and launching small boats or kayaks, allowing anglers to find the perfect spot. Many of the small lakes and streams dotting the Entiat Valley also hold smaller trout and panfish, making them excellent for a relaxed day of fishing or for families.
Hiking

Hiking

 

There is ample opportunity for hiking around Entiat, with trails that wind through some of the more stunning and diverse landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk along a river or a challenging trek into the rugged backcountry, the Entiat Valley and its surrounding mountains offer a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels. Discover trails like Silver Falls, Entiat River Trail and the Mad River Trail with our Entiat hiking guide.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

 
Mountain biking in Entiat, Washington, offers thrilling trails and stunning scenery in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Entiat's diverse terrain features a mix of forested paths, rugged singletrack, and open ridgelines, making it ideal for riders of all skill levels looking for adventure. Popular trails include the Mad River and Tyee Ridge areas, known for their technical sections, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents that wind through wildflower-filled meadows and dense pine forests. The Entiat Valley offers a range of biking experiences, from challenging climbs and fast, rocky descents to scenic routes along the Entiat River for those seeking a more leisurely ride. Trails like the North Fork and Pyramid Mountain offer spectacular mountain and valley views, particularly rewarding in late spring and fall when the landscapes are alive with wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage.
Silver Falls

Silver Falls

 

The Silver Falls Hike in the Entiat Valley is a scenic and accessible trail that offers stunning views of a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush forest. The hike is relatively short, clocking in at 1.7 miles round trip, making it suitable for hikers of all levels, including families. The trail meanders through a shaded, dense canopy of Douglas fir, cedar, and pine trees, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. As you approach the waterfall, you'll hear the thunderous roar of the water plunging 141 feet over the rocky cliff into the abyss below. There are several viewpoints along the trail, giving you different perspectives of the falls. The most popular viewpoint offers a close-up view of the water as it crashes down, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and vibrant green vegetation and you can even stand behind the waterfall.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling

 
Snowmobiling around Entiat is a thrilling winter experience in the snow-laden Cascade Mountains, where riders can explore pristine alpine terrain, deep powder fields, and extensive forest trails. Entiat transforms into a winter wonderland with numerous routes that cater to both beginner and advanced snowmobilers. Popular areas like Tyee Mountain, Shady Pass, and the Entiat Ridge offer groomed trails, open meadows, and breathtaking views of the snow-covered Entiat Valley, Lake Chelan, and distant mountain ranges. With elevations reaching over 6,000 feet, these trails provide deep snowpack and consistent conditions throughout the winter season. The Shady Pass area, in particular, offers wide-open play areas, steep climbs, and ridgeline trails perfect for both high-speed riding and technical maneuvers. Snowmobilers can also follow routes that climb into the backcountry for more challenging terrain and incredible panoramas, especially on clear days.

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