Wenatchee Ridge

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

Men's and Women's • $179

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