Swakane Canyon

47.56764, -120.33238

Just east of Leavenworth, and North of Yakima, you'll find this hike.

It is 12-mile hike up a closed dirt road.  2,400 feet of elevation gain. 

There are fantastic views the whole way, changing wildflowers and the potential for animal sightings. Because it’s actually a road, there are no super steep sections – it’s just a consistent uphill.

A gently winding 6 mile uphill, for a total of 12 miles round trip.

Getting to this start requires you to drive a couple miles on a pothole filled dirt road. No special vehicle is required, but be prepared for a bumpy slow approach.

Right away you gain some elevation and great views.

A couple miles up you’ll pass a random metal gate.

Changing arrays of wildflowers follow you at every step of the hike. These purple flowers were covering the top.

This is the “road” you are hiking.

Descending along the same path lets you see everything from a different angle.

Twisting road descending to the base of the canyon.

Back to the parking lot, congratulate yourself for a long hike and drive out along the same bumpy road.