Entiat — Washington State
Hiking in
Entiat
From Silver Falls to the high Cascade ridgelines — trails for every level in the Entiat Valley.
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Overview
The Entiat Valley offers hiking that most visitors to central Washington never discover. Silver Falls is the standout accessible hike, easy enough for families and impressive enough for anyone. Deeper in the valley, the Mad River Trail and high-country routes like Angle Peak and Devil's Backbone reward those willing to put in the miles.
Every hike here sits within a quieter corner of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Expect far fewer crowds than comparable trails near Lake Chelan or Leavenworth.
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Hikes in the Entiat Valley
Browse all 6 hikes in the Entiat area. Use the map layers control to toggle between hike pins and trailhead pins, or remove trail lines from view. Click Show on Map to locate a hike on the map.
Angle Peak Loop
Chelan
Why Go
The Angle Peak Loop is a high-elevation ridge trail delivering breathtaking panoramic views of both the Entiat Valley and the Chelan Valley. The trail is strenuous with significant elevation gain, but the reward is sweeping Cascade views from the ridgeline. Best tackled in late summer or early fall when the high-country snow has cleared.
Statistics
- Length: 11 miles, loop
- Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
- High Point: 6,890 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Season(s): Jul – Oct
Devil's Backbone
Chelan
Why Go
The Devil's Backbone Trail is a challenging high-elevation route along a narrow ridgeline with some of the most dramatic views in the Entiat area, with Cascade peaks stretching in every direction. The trail is strenuous with significant elevation gain and is best completed in late summer after the snow has melted from the upper terrain.
Statistics
- Length: 11.8 miles, one way
- Elevation Gain: 3,560 ft
- High Point: 7,150 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Season(s): Jul – Oct
Lower Mad River
Entiat
Why Go
The Lower Mad River Trail stretches for approximately 14 miles beginning near Pine Flat Campground, winding through dense forests of pine, fir, and cedar as it follows the Mad River. The first 3 miles are relatively flat and great for families, with the sound of the flowing river and frequent wildlife sightings keeping the walk interesting throughout.
Statistics
- Length: 15.5 miles, one way
- Elevation Gain: 4,100 ft
- High Point: 4,305 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Season(s): May – Oct
Mills Canyon
Entiat
Why Go
The Mills Canyon hike follows a forest service road as it climbs through open terrain above the Columbia River with sweeping views of the valley and surrounding ridgelines. The route passes through ponderosa pine forest and is an excellent wildflower destination in spring, with Tweedy's Lewisia among the highlights. A quieter alternative to the more popular Entiat Valley hikes, with far fewer crowds.
Statistics
- Length: 3 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 800 ft
- High Point: 3,050 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season(s): Apr – Oct
Silver Falls
Entiat
Why Go
The Silver Falls Hike in the Entiat Valley is a scenic and accessible trail that offers stunning views of a cascading 141-foot waterfall surrounded by lush forest. At just 1.8 miles round trip it suits hikers of all levels, including families. The trail meanders through a shaded canopy of Douglas fir, cedar, and pine, and the most popular viewpoint lets you stand right behind the falls.
Statistics
- Length: 1.7 miles, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 580 ft
- High Point: 3,010 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season(s): May – Oct
Silver Falls Interpretive Trail
Entiat
Why Go
The Silver Falls Interpretive Trail is a short, easy loop through the forest near Silver Falls Campground. Interpretive signs along the route explain the ecology and geology of the Entiat Valley, making it an excellent option for families and those looking for a peaceful, educational walk.
Statistics
- Length: 1 mile, roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 40 ft
- High Point: 2,380 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season(s): May – Oct
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Hike Comparison
Compare all Entiat hikes side by side to find the right trail for your trip.
| Name | Distance | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | High Point | Best Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle Peak Loop | 11 miles, loop | Strenuous | 2,600 ft | 6,890 ft | Jul – Oct |
| Devil's Backbone | 11.8 miles, one way | Strenuous | 3,560 ft | 7,150 ft | Jul – Oct |
| Lower Mad River | 15.5 miles, one way | Strenuous | 4,100 ft | 4,305 ft | May – Oct |
| Mills Canyon | 3 miles, roundtrip | Moderate | 800 ft | 3,050 ft | Apr – Oct |
| Silver Falls | 1.7 miles, roundtrip | Easy | 580 ft | 3,010 ft | May – Oct |
| Silver Falls Interpretive Trail | 1 mile, roundtrip | Easy | 40 ft | 2,380 ft | May – Oct |
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Before You Go
Parking Pass
Silver Falls Trailhead and the Mad River Trailhead require a Northwest Forest Pass or a $5 daily fee. Check current requirements before you go.
Season
Late spring through fall (May through October) is ideal. Mills Canyon clears earlier. Angle Peak and Devil's Backbone are best July through October after snow melts.
Quieter Than Neighbors
Expect far fewer crowds than comparable trails near Lake Chelan or Leavenworth. Silver Falls is the family standout; the first miles of Lower Mad River stay flat along the river.
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Conditions
Quick weather, air quality, and trail closures for hike planning. Fire restrictions and other details live on the full conditions page.
Air Quality
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Explore Entiat
More guides for planning your trip.
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