Lake Chelan — Winter
Snowshoeing in
Lake Chelan
Quiet winter trails, Sno-Park routes, Echo Ridge loops, and lake-view snowshoe options.
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Overview
Snowshoeing in Lake Chelan offers a quiet winter version of the valley, from groomed Echo Ridge routes to Sno-Park access near Antilon Lake and Twenty-Five Mile Creek. Expect lake views, pine forest, open ridgelines, and conditions that can change quickly with elevation.
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Snowshoeing at a Glance
Best beginner area
Echo Ridge snowshoe trails
Best views
Fourth of July Mountain
Closest to Chelan
Reach 1 and Eagle Trail
Know before you go
Winter trail passes or Sno-Park permits may be required
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Before You Go
Choose the Right Zone
Echo Ridge has signed winter trails, Antilon gives you Sno-Park road access, and Chelan Butte works best when lower-elevation snow is present.
Bring the Right Pass
Echo Ridge uses a winter trail pass, while Antilon Lake and Twenty-Five Mile Creek require Sno-Park permits.
Watch Conditions
Snow depth changes quickly between downtown Chelan, Manson, Echo Ridge, and the Sno-Parks. Webcams are worth checking.
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Popular Snowshoe Trails
Echo Ridge
Somewhere to Ride
Somewhere to Ride is a relatively mellow out-and-back snowshoe through open meadows and pine forest. On clear days, expect outstanding views of the Chelan Valley and the Chelan Range, including Stormy Mountain and Devil’s Backbone.
- Echo Ridge Lower Trailhead or Shoe Trailhead
- $15 day pass required
- Good first Echo Ridge route
Antilon Lake Sno-Park
Fourth of July Mountain
Fourth of July Mountain turns a popular summer lake-view hike into a bigger winter outing. The full route is roughly 3.5 miles round trip with about 1,250 feet of gain, but you can turn around early once the ridge views open up.
- Sno-Park pass required
- Lake Chelan views
- Moderate to strenuous
Chelan River Gorge
Reach 1
Reach 1 is a wide, mellow option close to town. Unless there is fresh snowfall, it may be packed enough for winter hiking rather than snowshoes, but it is still a pleasant cold-weather walk along the Chelan River.
- Close to Chelan
- Lower elevation
- Good after fresh snow
Echo Ridge
The Shoe
The Shoe is a signed Echo Ridge loop through meadows, forest, and a small ravine. It gets less traffic than some lower trails, which gives it a quieter winter feel while still staying within the managed trail system.
- Shoe Trailhead
- $15 day pass required
- Loop route
Chelan Butte
Chelan Butte & Elephant Head
When snow reaches the lower hills, Chelan Butte and Elephant Head provide big winter views close to town. Elephant Head makes a natural turnaround, while stronger parties can continue higher on Chelan Butte.
- No parking fee
- Lower elevation
- Best after valley snow
Echo Ridge
Divine Intervention
Divine Intervention is often combined with Minor Threat for a short Echo Ridge loop. It traverses a mix of forest and open slopes before connecting back toward the lower parking area.
- Lower Echo Ridge Trailhead
- $15 day pass required
- Short loop option
Antilon Lake Sno-Park
Grade Creek Road
Grade Creek Road becomes a groomed snowmobile route in winter and makes a straightforward snowshoe from Antilon Lake Sno-Park. Stay aware of snowmobile traffic and look for quieter side options around Antilon Lake.
- Sno-Park pass required
- Shared snowmobile route
- Good exploratory option
Chelan River Gorge
Eagle Trail
Eagle Trail starts off the Reach 1 area and follows the gorge above the river before descending toward the Coyote and Cutthroat loops. It is a good option when you want solitude without driving far from town.
- Close to Chelan
- Gorge views
- Lower-elevation snow needed
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Winter Access Points
Winter parking is usually the limiting factor for Lake Chelan snowshoeing. Echo Ridge access points are plowed for the winter trail system, while Antilon and Twenty-Five Mile Creek depend on Sno-Park access, storm timing, and road conditions. Check pass requirements before you drive.
Lower Echo Ridge Trailhead
Why Go
This large lot has a vault toilet and plenty of space for parking. It provides access to Divine Intervention and Minor Threat, which both allow snowshoeing and are located next to the vault toilet. You can also access Lower Somewhere to Ride, which connects into Bob's Trail, both of which are open to snowshoes. The rest of the trails like Tootsie Roll and Lolly Pop are for Nordic skiing only. A $15 day pass, or annual Nordic pass, is required to park at the trailhead (Northwest Forest Passes are NOT valid during the winter months).
Details
- Elevation: 3435 ft
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking Fee: Required
The Shoe Trailhead
Why Go
The Shoe trailhead, sometimes referred to as Snowshoe Trailhead during the winter months is a small area typically plowed on both sides of the road, with a fee station and signage on the left hand side as you are driving up. It provides access to the Shoe Trail and Shoe Connector Trail, both of which allow snowshoeing. A $15 day pass, or annual Nordic pass, is required to park at the trailhead (Northwest Forest Passes are NOT valid during the winter months).
Details
- Elevation: 3238 ft
- Restrooms: No
- Parking Fee: Required
Zoom Trailhead
Why Go
The forest service plows out a decent sized area on Washington Creek Forest Service road for the Zoom trailhead during the winter months. A handful of cars can fit in the lot, and there is typically a porta-potty in the lot. A $15 day pass, or annual Nordic pass, is required to use the trail system at Echo Ridge (Northwest Forest Passes are NOT valid during the winter months). This parking area provides access to the Zoom trail, which allows snowshoeing.
Details
- Elevation: 3070 ft
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking Fee: Required
Antilon Lake Sno-Park
Why Go
Antilon Lake Sno-Park is located off of Grade Creek Road a couple of miles after the road turns to dirt - in the winter this will be as far as you can drive due to snow and a gate across Grade Creek Road. It provides access to a couple of groomed snowmobile trails including Grade Creek Road, which can be used to access Fourth of July Mountain. The Sno-Park is typically open from the end of November through April and requires a Sno-Park pass (no ability to purchase onsite). Note, if the Sno-Park isn't open but there is snow on the ground, you can park on the side of the road near the gate on Grade Creek Road.
Details
- Elevation: 2225 ft
- Restrooms: No
- Parking Fee: Required
Chelan Butte Trailhead
Why Go
Located just outside downtown Chelan, Chelan Butte trailhead provides access to 4 trails within the Chelan River Gorge as well as Chelan Butte and Elephant Head. There is no fee to park at the trailhead and it can accommodate 12 cars - chances are you won't see more than a handful during the winter months.
Details
- Elevation: 1183 ft
- Restrooms: Yes
- Parking Fee: No fee
Twenty-Five Mile Creek Sno-Park
Why Go
Twenty-Five Mile Creek Sno-Park is the farthest you can get up-lake during the winter months, and provides access to a number of groomed snowmobile trails. The North Fork Twenty-Five Mile Creek trail makes a nice snowshoe. From the Sno-Park hike up Shady Pass Road and look for the trail signage on your left a short ways after the hairpin turn. Daily fee or annual pass required to park in the Sno-Park, and there is no pay station available onsite.
Details
- Elevation: 1980 ft
- Restrooms: No
- Parking Fee: Required
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Webcams
Use these cameras to compare higher-elevation winter conditions with what is happening at lake level.
Near Echo Valley at roughly 2,700 ft elevation
Lake-level view in downtown Chelan
25 Mile Creek
South shore uplake conditions
Wapato Point
Manson-area lake-level conditions
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