Satellite imagery via Esri World Imagery
Hard

Summit Trail (Wilderness)

Stehekin, Washington · Chelan County · lwn · Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest · 1259

Summit Trail (Wilderness) is a hard hiking trail near Stehekin in Chelan County, Washington.. Managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions🗺️ Open in OSM
Advertisement
48.21383, -120.46321
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Summit Trail (Wilderness)

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High33°F
Avg Low20°F
Peak Rain Chance32%
Humidity74%
UV (avg)3
Air Quality55 · Moderate
Today
☁️
Overcast
33°/22°
💧 1%🌬 9mph
↑ 6:50 AM ↓ 4:39 PM
Wed
❄️
Heavy Snow
36°/24°
💧 5%🌬 11mph
↑ 6:52 AM ↓ 4:37 PM
Thu
🌫
Fog
30°/17°
💧 16%🌬 16mph
↑ 6:53 AM ↓ 4:36 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
31°/18°
💧 32%🌬 3mph
↑ 6:55 AM ↓ 4:34 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
35°/19°
💧 18%🌬 7mph
↑ 6:56 AM ↓ 4:33 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Summit Trail (Wilderness)

Summit Trail (Wilderness) is a hard hiking trail near Stehekin in Chelan County, Washington.. Managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

See more hard trails →All Washington trails →

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 🧥
    Insulated winter jacket
    Down or synthetic puffy + waterproof shell.
  • 🧤
    Insulated gloves + beanie
    Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
  • 🥾
    Insulated waterproof boots
    Wool socks + moisture-wicking liner.
  • 🧣
    Base + mid layer
    Merino wool base, fleece mid-layer.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
  • 🔥
    Hand warmers
    Cold mornings — chemical warmers fit in gloves or pockets.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Washington

Trail conditions in Washington change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Summit Trail (Wilderness)?

Summit Trail (Wilderness) is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

When is the best time to hike Summit Trail (Wilderness)?

Washington has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Summit Trail (Wilderness)?

Summit Trail (Wilderness) is managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

Nearby

Other Trails Near Summit Trail (Wilderness)

Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.

All Washington trails →
Overhead satellite image of Indianhead Basin TrailEasyWA

Indianhead Basin Trail

Stehekin, Washington
Ground
🥾
Aerial satellite photo of Cascade Camp TrailEasyWA

Cascade Camp Trail

Stehekin, Washington
Ground
🥾
Surprise Lake Trail, aerial viewEasyWA

Surprise Lake Trail

Stehekin, Washington
Ground
🥾
Aerial satellite photo of Summit Trail-WildernessHardWA

Summit Trail-Wilderness

Stehekin, Washington
Ground
🥾🚲
Aerial satellite photo of Summit Trail-WildernessHardWA

Summit Trail-Wilderness

Carlton, Washington
Ground
🥾🚲
Satellite view of Summit Trail-WildernessHardWA

Summit Trail-Wilderness

Stehekin, Washington
Ground
🥾🚲
Guides & rankings

More on hiking in Washington

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Washington, Ranked

Washington's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team4 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

Washington's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Washington trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Washington

Ten gentle, well-marked Washington trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team5 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Washington

Washington's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Washington

Federal parks and recreation areas in Washington ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Washington: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Washington's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min