Cle Elum River Road
Cascade backcountry gateway to forgotten lakes
This forest service road cuts 20 miles into the Wenatchee National Forest, crossing the Cle Elum River multiple times before dead-ending at Scatter Creek. You’ll pass Tommy Thompson Trail and several primitive camping spots along Fish Lake before the road deteriorates into rocky technical sections near Hyas Lake. The final miles require careful navigation around washouts and fallen timber.
Stock high-clearance vehicles can handle most of the route, but the last 5 miles demand skid plates and aggressive tread. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the higher elevations. No permits needed, but pack everything out. This route rewards with pristine alpine fishing, old-growth stands that survived the logging era, and solitude that’s increasingly rare in the crowded Cascades.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 20 mi / 32.2 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Cle Elum, Washington |
| Land manager | Wenatchee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma make it up Cle Elum River Road?
Yes, but you'll need high clearance 4WD and good ground clearance for rocky sections and water crossings. Stock suspension height is fine if you pick your lines carefully.
Is Cle Elum River Road accessible in early summer?
Best access is July through September when snow clears from higher elevations. June can be sketchy with lingering snow patches and muddy conditions.
Do I need any permits to camp along Cle Elum River Road?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Wenatchee National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in established sites when possible.
What's the gnarliest part of this trail?
The water crossings can be tricky during spring runoff, and there are some steep, loose rock sections in the middle miles that'll test your traction control.
How many water crossings should I expect on Cle Elum River Road?
You'll hit 3-4 creek crossings, mostly shallow but can run higher during snowmelt season. None are typically deeper than running board height.