Outdoor Recreation

Hiking sage hills, saddle rock, and the loop

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012 - Entry 14

Tags: Sights, Adventure, Lifestyle, Personal

Are you in to outdoor recreation? Then Wenatchee is the place for you! The area has dozens of trails for every skill level. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and beautiful stroll along the riverfront trail or a hike up steep mountains, Wenatchee is where you need to visit.

The riverfront trail is an eleven mile loop of paved walkway through different city and state parks. Your walk/jog/ride will take you next to wooded areas, grassy sports fields, docks, sagebrush, playground toys and everything in between. Most times the river is a stone's throw away. The whole loop will have you cross the majestic Columbia river twice plus the tranquil Wenatchee river.

If you are looking for something more rugged, there are countless trails in the surrounding hills. Some of my favorites are Saddle Rock, Black Rock (Jacob's Trail), Sage Hills, and Rooster Comb.

Saddlerock and Blackrock are sister hills that may leave the average outdoors-man surprised by a slight shortness of breath. The trails range from 45 minutes to an hour and provide breathtaking views of the city from dam to dam. There are well-cut trails that are not too steep until the last leg - which can be rocky. But around that time a massive rock formation juts out of the earth and creates a grand finale and well deserved resting area.

Sage Hills and Rooster Comb are both moderate hikes - somewhere between "the loop" and Saddlerock in difficulty level. They have respectable paths that seem to go more flat across the hill than up. These also provide wonderful views - but you are more likely to see orchards, stables, flora and fauna than the city on these walks. Sage hills is excellent for families with young kids or for a secluded picnic.

There are more adventurous hikes and climbs short distances away, but I'll let you come explore these first ;)

Marshall Tramp, HOST - Assistant Manager

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Wenatchee parks, hills, and the Apple Capitol Loop Trail provide locals and tourists much beauty and activity

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You can also read the previous article "Rocky Reach Visitor Center" or the next article "Electronic Keycards"

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