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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Swauk Forest Discovery Trail

Monitor, Washington · Kittitas County · lwn · Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest · 1335

Swauk Forest Discovery Trail is a easy hiking trail near Monitor in Kittitas County, Washington.. Managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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47.32946, -120.58182
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Swauk Forest Discovery Trail

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

Avg High76°F
Avg Low51°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity40%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality36 · Good
Today
🌤
Mostly Clear
74°/52°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
5:35 AM8:42 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
66°/52°
🌬 14mph
5:36 AM8:41 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
76°/50°
🌬 11mph
5:37 AM8:40 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
81°/49°
🌬 9mph
5:38 AM8:38 PM
Fri
Partly Cloudy
84°/50°
🌬 8mph
5:40 AM8:37 PM

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

About Swauk Forest Discovery Trail

Swauk Forest Discovery Trail is a easy hiking trail near Monitor in Kittitas County, Washington.. Managed by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

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.

What to Pack & Wear

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

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

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 Swauk Forest Discovery Trail?

Swauk Forest Discovery Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Swauk Forest Discovery Trail?

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 Swauk Forest Discovery Trail?

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