WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie attended yet another conference at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. There is absolutely nothing to do in Cle Elum, but I tagged along to catch up on some reading, walk through the shops in Leavenworth, and check out the Mt. Lillian and Naneum Meadow trail near Blewett Pass.
You’ll definitely want to bring along a Green Trails Map of the area (Liberty, WA – No 210), as there are many criss-crossing trails along the route, shared by cars, motorbikes, snowmobiles and horses. I hiked a nice loop, starting about half a mile north of Haney Meadow, as far as I could safely drive along the deeply rutted and muddy road. From there, I connected with trail 1601 to the summit of Mt. Lillian, where strange rock formations exist, including one that bears a striking resemblance to an elephant.
After a short descent, the trail meets up with a dirt road which I followed for a quarter mile to trail 1372, which continues South for about four miles, crossing through swampy meadows and forest and then looping back North along a valley hillside towards Naneum Meadow. Here, I connected with trail 1381, taking me back to the main road, which I followed for about a mile back to my car. The entire trip is just under 12 miles, with about 1500′ in elevation change.
I heard a couple motorbikes in the far distance, but did not see another person on the trail. For the most part, the trails are in great shape. I just noticed one area where the motorbikes seem to have taken their toll, carving a path that dipped me into a trench up to my shoulders.
There were just a couple small patches of snow, which I’m sure are completely melted out by now. I’m guessing the area will soon become much busier and noisier as the weather improves, so this might be a hike to save for next Spring if you enjoy natural sounds and solitude.
You’ll definitely want to bring along a Green Trails Map of the area (Liberty, WA – No 210), as there are many criss-crossing trails along the route, shared by cars, motorbikes, snowmobiles and horses. I hiked a nice loop, starting about half a mile north of Haney Meadow, as far as I could safely drive along the deeply rutted and muddy road. From there, I connected with trail 1601 to the summit of Mt. Lillian, where strange rock formations exist, including one that bears a striking resemblance to an elephant.
After a short descent, the trail meets up with a dirt road which I followed for a quarter mile to trail 1372, which continues South for about four miles, crossing through swampy meadows and forest and then looping back North along a valley hillside towards Naneum Meadow. Here, I connected with trail 1381, taking me back to the main road, which I followed for about a mile back to my car. The entire trip is just under 12 miles, with about 1500′ in elevation change.
I heard a couple motorbikes in the far distance, but did not see another person on the trail. For the most part, the trails are in great shape. I just noticed one area where the motorbikes seem to have taken their toll, carving a path that dipped me into a trench up to my shoulders.
There were just a couple small patches of snow, which I’m sure are completely melted out by now. I’m guessing the area will soon become much busier and noisier as the weather improves, so this might be a hike to save for next Spring if you enjoy natural sounds and solitude.
