How to Hike Appleton Pass from Columbus, Washington

Appleton Pass is one of the most secluded and rewarding backcountry routes in the Cascade Range of northeastern Washington. Though lesser-known than nearby trails like the Enchantments or Mount Stuart, Appleton Pass offers hikers a pristine alpine experience with sweeping views, wildflower-strewn meadows, and glacial lakes—all accessible from the quiet town of Columbus, Washington. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough for safely and successfully hiking Appleton Pass, whether you’re a seasoned trail enthusiast or a motivated beginner seeking solitude in the wilderness. Unlike heavily trafficked routes, Appleton Pass demands preparation, self-reliance, and respect for its remote terrain. Understanding its unique challenges and rewards is essential for a safe, memorable journey.

The trailhead for Appleton Pass lies approximately 45 miles northeast of Columbus, accessed via Forest Service roads that require a high-clearance vehicle. The route ascends through old-growth forest, crosses alpine ridgelines, and culminates at the pass itself—elevated at over 6,300 feet—where panoramic vistas of the Wenatchee National Forest unfold. The hike is typically completed as a day trip by experienced hikers, though multi-day backpacking itineraries are possible with proper permits and planning. Because the trail is not maintained year-round and weather conditions can shift rapidly, accurate information and thorough preparation are non-negotiable.

This guide is designed for those who value precision, safety, and environmental stewardship. We’ll walk you through every logistical detail—from navigation and gear selection to timing, regulations, and emergency protocols. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to tackle Appleton Pass with competence and respect for its natural integrity.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Route

Before setting foot on any trail, especially one as remote as Appleton Pass, begin with detailed route research. Start by consulting official sources: the Wenatchee National Forest website, USGS topographic maps (specifically the “Appleton Pass” and “Mount Larrabee” quadrangles), and recent trail reports from platforms like AllTrails or Washington Trails Association. Note that Appleton Pass is not marked with regular signage beyond the initial trailhead, so map-reading skills are essential.

Identify the official trailhead location: it begins at the Appleton Pass Trailhead (Forest Road 5800, near the confluence of the Little Wenatchee River and Appleton Creek). From Columbus, take WA-20 east for 28 miles to the town of Leavenworth. Continue on WA-20 for another 12 miles to the signed turnoff for Forest Road 5800 (also known as the Appleton Pass Road). This gravel road is rough and narrow—only recommended for vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. Do not attempt it in a low-slung sedan or during wet conditions.

Download offline maps using Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps, and save the trail coordinates: 47.5833° N, 120.7417° W. Print a paper map as a backup. Cell service is nonexistent along the trail, so digital reliance alone is dangerous.

2. Choose the Right Season

Appleton Pass is snow-covered from late October through early June. The optimal hiking window is mid-July through mid-September. Even within this window, snowfields may persist on the northern slopes of the pass, particularly in shaded areas. Early season hikers (July) should carry microspikes and trekking poles. Late season hikers (September) may encounter early snowfall and rapidly cooling temperatures after sunset.

Avoid hiking during thunderstorm season (late July to mid-August), when lightning risk increases significantly at alpine elevations. Check the National Weather Service forecast for the Leavenworth and Entiat zones 48 hours before departure. Wind speeds above 20 mph at the pass can make navigation difficult and increase exposure risk.

3. Prepare Your Gear

Essential gear for Appleton Pass includes:

• Navigation tools: Topographic map, compass, GPS device with offline maps
• Layered clothing: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof shell
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread
• Backpack: 20–30L capacity with hydration system or water bottles
• Food and water: Minimum 3 liters of water per person, electrolyte tablets, high-calorie snacks (nuts, jerky, energy bars)
• Safety equipment: First aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, emergency blanket, whistle, fire starter
• Optional but recommended: Trekking poles, microspikes, bear spray (grizzly bears are rare but present), satellite communicator (Garmin inReach)

Do not rely on trailside water sources without purification. Even clear alpine streams may contain giardia or cryptosporidium. Carry a filter (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree) or chemical treatment (iodine tablets).

4. Start Early and Time Your Ascent

Begin your hike before sunrise. The trailhead is accessible by 6:00 a.m. in summer, and starting early ensures you reach the pass before afternoon thunderstorms develop. The total round-trip distance is approximately 14.5 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete the route in 7–9 hours, depending on pace and rest stops.

Break the hike into segments:

• Trailhead to Lake 5602 (3.2 miles): Gentle ascent through dense fir and cedar forest. Watch for moose tracks near the creek crossings.
• Lake 5602 to Alpine Basin (5.8 miles): Steeper climb through subalpine meadows. This is the most scenic stretch—wildflowers bloom in July and August.
• Alpine Basin to Appleton Pass (1.8 miles): Final ascent over rocky scree. Use trekking poles for stability. The pass is marked by a cairn and offers unobstructed views of the Wenatchee Mountains.
• Return to trailhead (3.7 miles): Descend carefully. Fatigue increases fall risk on the return.

Plan to be off the pass by 3:00 p.m. to avoid exposure to lightning and rapidly dropping temperatures. Sunset occurs around 8:30 p.m. in July, but shadows reach the trail by 6:00 p.m. after the pass.

5. Navigate the Trail Correctly

The trail is faint in places and merges with game paths. Key landmarks to watch for:

• At 1.2 miles: A large, flat boulder on the right—this is the first reliable landmark.
• At 2.8 miles: Cross a small, rocky creek—follow the cairns on the far bank.
• At 4.1 miles: Reach Lake 5602. The trail continues along the lake’s western shore, not the eastern.
• At 5.5 miles: The trail emerges into the Alpine Basin. Look for a distinct ridge line to the north—this is your route to the pass.
• At 6.8 miles: The final 0.8-mile climb is steep and exposed. Follow cairns and avoid shortcuts—they erode the fragile tundra.

Do not follow animal trails. They lead to dead ends or unstable terrain. If you lose the path, stop, consult your map, and retrace your steps to the last known landmark. Never proceed blindly.

6. Cross Snowfields Safely

In early summer, snow may persist on the north-facing slopes above Lake 5602. Test snowpack with your trekking pole before stepping. If the snow is soft and slushy, wait for midday warmth to harden it. If it’s hard and icy, use microspikes. Never cross snowfields alone—always have a partner. If you begin to slide, roll to your side and dig in with your poles.

Some hikers choose to bypass the snowfield by descending slightly and contouring along the ridge’s edge. This adds distance but reduces risk. Assess your skill level and conditions before choosing a route.

7. Summit and Return

At the pass, take time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the view. The summit offers a 360-degree panorama: Mount Larrabee to the south, the Entiat Mountains to the east, and the Wenatchee River Valley to the west. Photographs are best taken between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the light is most even.

Begin your descent before fatigue sets in. Descending is more physically taxing than ascending due to knee strain. Use trekking poles, take small steps, and avoid loose scree. Rest at Lake 5602 for a final water refill before the final descent.

Reaching the trailhead after dark is possible but not advised. If you anticipate a late return, carry a high-lumen headlamp and extra batteries. Always inform someone of your expected return time.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Appleton Pass is a fragile alpine ecosystem. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

• Plan ahead and prepare: Know the regulations, weather, and your limits.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on established trails. Avoid trampling wildflowers or moss.
• Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use a WAG bag for human waste if no vault toilet is available.
• Leave what you find: Do not pick flowers, move rocks, or carve into trees.
• Minimize campfire impact: Fires are prohibited above 5,000 feet. Use a camp stove.
• Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance. Store food in bear-resistant containers.
• Be considerate of other visitors: Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise low. Do not play music.

Every hiker who visits Appleton Pass contributes to its preservation—or degradation. Your actions set the standard for others.

Travel in Groups

Never hike Appleton Pass alone. Even experienced hikers have been injured on this route due to slips, falls, or sudden weather changes. A group of three or more is ideal. Assign roles: navigator, first aid officer, and timekeeper. Ensure everyone knows the route and emergency plan.

If you must hike solo, leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted contact—including trailhead location, expected return time, and vehicle description. Check in via satellite messenger if possible.

Hydrate and Fuel Strategically

Altitude and exertion increase fluid loss. Drink 0.5 liters of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Eat small, frequent snacks—every 45 minutes—to maintain blood sugar. Avoid heavy meals mid-hike; they cause sluggishness.

Electrolyte imbalance can lead to cramps or hyponatremia. Use electrolyte tablets in your water, especially on hot days.

Monitor Weather Relentlessly

Weather in the Cascades changes faster than in any other mountain range in the continental U.S. A clear morning can turn into a whiteout by noon. Watch for:

• Clouds building rapidly over the peaks
• Sudden drop in temperature
• Wind picking up or changing direction
• Darkening skies or distant thunder

If you observe any of these signs, descend immediately. Do not wait for rain. Lightning strikes the ridge before the storm arrives. Turn around at the first sign of danger.

Know Your Limits

Appleton Pass is not a beginner trail. It requires physical endurance, mental focus, and backcountry judgment. If you’re new to high-altitude hiking, train for at least 8 weeks beforehand: hike 8–10 miles weekly with 2,000+ feet of elevation gain. Practice carrying a 20-pound pack.

Recognize symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath. If you experience these above 6,000 feet, descend 1,000 feet immediately. Do not push through.

Respect Tribal Lands and Cultural Sites

The Appleton Pass area lies within the ancestral territory of the Wenatchi (Wenatchee) people. While the trail does not cross sacred sites, always treat the land with reverence. Avoid disturbing petroglyphs, stone cairns, or ceremonial areas. If you encounter artifacts, leave them undisturbed and report their location to the Wenatchee National Forest office.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Maps and Apps

• USGS Topographic Maps: “Appleton Pass” and “Mount Larrabee” (1:24,000 scale)
• Gaia GPS: Download offline maps; use the “Wenatchee National Forest Trails” layer
• Avenza Maps: Free app with user-uploaded trail overlays
• AllTrails Pro: Recent user reviews and photos (filter by “Summer” season)

Permits and Regulations

No permit is required for day hiking Appleton Pass. However, if you plan to camp overnight, you must obtain a free self-issue wilderness permit from the Wenatchee National Forest Ranger Station in Leavenworth or online via the USDA Forest Service portal. Camping is permitted only in designated zones at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.

Fire restrictions are common in summer. Check current conditions at www.fs.usda.gov/wenatchee. No campfires are allowed above 5,000 feet. Use a camp stove only.

Recommended Gear Brands

• Footwear: Salomon Quest 4D GTX, La Sportiva Trango Cube
• Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65, Deuter Aircontact Lite 55+10
• Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree
• Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2, Suunto 9 Peak
• Layering: Patagonia Capilene Base Layer, Arc’teryx Atom LT, Marmot PreCip Jacket
• Emergency: Space Blanket, Wilderness Medical Associates First Aid Kit, PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

Local Resources

For updated trail conditions, contact the Wenatchee National Forest Ranger District:

• Leavenworth Ranger Station: (509) 548-2550
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/wenatchee
• Facebook Group: “Wenatchee Backcountry Hikers” (user-submitted photos and alerts)

Local outfitters in Leavenworth, such as Alpine Adventures NW, offer guided Appleton Pass trips for those seeking mentorship. They also rent gear and provide route briefings.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The July Storm That Changed a Hiker’s Plans

In July 2022, a solo hiker from Seattle began the Appleton Pass trail at 5:30 a.m. with no weather check. By 11:00 a.m., clouds gathered over Mount Larrabee. The hiker ignored the darkening sky and continued upward. At 1:15 p.m., lightning struck a tree 100 yards from the pass. The hiker was thrown off balance, sustaining a sprained ankle.

Using a Garmin inReach, the hiker sent a distress signal. A volunteer rescue team from Leavenworth reached them by 4:30 p.m. The hiker was evacuated by helicopter. Post-incident interview revealed the hiker had no map, no extra layers, and no emergency communication device beyond a cell phone—dead since mile 3.

Lesson: Weather awareness and communication devices save lives. Never underestimate alpine storms.

Case Study 2: The Family Who Made It Back Safely

In August 2023, a family of four from Spokane hiked Appleton Pass with two children aged 10 and 12. They planned meticulously: downloaded offline maps, packed extra water and snacks, and set a turnaround time of 2:00 p.m. They encountered a snowfield at 5,800 feet and used trekking poles to test stability. They took turns crossing, one at a time.

At the summit, they spent 20 minutes taking photos and eating lunch. They descended by 2:30 p.m., arriving at the trailhead at 6:15 p.m. with daylight to spare. No injuries. No stress.

Lesson: Preparation, discipline, and turning around on time are the hallmarks of successful backcountry travel.

Case Study 3: The Hiker Who Got Lost

In September 2021, a solo hiker from Yakima took a shortcut off the main trail near the Alpine Basin, believing a game trail led faster to the pass. The shortcut led to a cliff edge. Unable to retrace, the hiker spent 14 hours in the cold before being found by a search party.

Rescuers found the hiker hypothermic but alive. The cause? Overconfidence in route-finding skills and failure to carry a map.

Lesson: Never deviate from the marked trail without a plan and backup navigation tools.

FAQs

Is Appleton Pass suitable for beginners?

Appleton Pass is not recommended for beginners. It requires experience with elevation gain, route-finding, and alpine weather. Beginners should start with lower-elevation trails like the Enchantments Basin or Lake 22 before attempting this route.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted on Appleton Pass but must be leashed at all times. Be aware that wildlife—especially bears and moose—may react aggressively to unfamiliar animals. Carry bear spray and keep your dog close.

Are there water sources along the trail?

Yes, but all water must be filtered or treated. Reliable sources include Appleton Creek (near trailhead), Lake 5602, and small seeps near the pass. Never drink untreated water.

Do I need a permit to hike Appleton Pass?

No permit is required for day hiking. Overnight camping requires a free wilderness permit from the Wenatchee National Forest.

What’s the best time of year to hike Appleton Pass?

Mid-July to mid-September offers the most reliable conditions. July has blooming wildflowers; August has stable weather; September offers solitude and cooler temperatures.

Can I hike Appleton Pass in the winter?

Winter hiking is extremely hazardous and not advised. Snow depths exceed 8 feet, avalanche risk is high, and access roads are closed. Only experienced mountaineers with ice axes, crampons, and avalanche training should attempt it—and even then, rarely.

How do I get to the trailhead from Columbus?

From Columbus, drive east on WA-20 for 40 miles to the turnoff for Forest Road 5800. Continue 5 miles on FR-5800 to the trailhead parking. The road is rough—high-clearance vehicle required.

What should I do if I encounter a bear?

Stay calm. Do not run. Speak firmly and back away slowly. If the bear approaches, use bear spray. Store all food in bear-resistant containers or hang it 200 feet from camp at night.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. There is zero cell reception from the trailhead onward. A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT) is strongly recommended for emergencies.

Can I camp at the pass?

Camping is prohibited directly at the pass. Designated backcountry campsites are located in the Alpine Basin, 0.5 miles below the summit. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Conclusion

Hiking Appleton Pass from Columbus, Washington, is more than a physical challenge—it’s a journey into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most untouched alpine landscapes. This trail rewards those who prepare with precision, move with intention, and respect the land’s quiet power. The views from the pass are unmatched: endless ridgelines, glacial lakes shimmering under alpine sun, and the profound silence that only true wilderness can offer.

But this reward comes with responsibility. Appleton Pass is not a destination to be conquered—it is a place to be honored. Every step you take leaves a mark. Choose to leave only footprints, take only photographs, and carry only memories.

With the right gear, the right mindset, and the right preparation, your hike will not only be safe—it will be transformative. Use this guide as your foundation, but let your own experience shape your path. The mountains are always listening. Walk wisely.