Ellensburg, Washington

Looking for the best backpacking in Ellensburg? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ellensburg. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Ellensburg

  • Cle Elum, Washington

    Backpack to Navaho Pass

    12 mi / 4220 ft gain
    This is a beautiful trail in the Teanaway area, located in Washington State. The trailhead starts along the Stafford Creek Trail and follows the creek for the first couple miles of the trail. There are a number of different types of wildflowers out here that make the first few miles a nice warmup...
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  • Quincy, Washington

    Ancient Lakes Trail

    4.7
    4.34 mi / 213 ft gain
    On the hunt for a dry, scenic backpack during a weekend of dreary, wet, early September weather in the mountains, we decided to head toward the high desert outside of Quincy, WA. After a short hike in, we found a site seldom seen - waterfalls and lakes in the midst of the desert - an area known a...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Backpack to Ingalls Creek

    3.0
    11 mi / 1450 ft gain
    As attempting to find a good overnight spot, I stumbled upon the mostly overlooked Ingalls Creek trail. Seemingly easy to get to, this seemed like a solid option for Spring camping. When we arrived, there were about four other cars in the parking lot, and my guess is that was about how many cars ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb Mount Stuart

    5.0
    Global climbing legend Fred Beckey once said, "[Mount Stuart is] without a rival as the crown peak in the central Cascades of Washington, Mount Stuart has been pronounced the single greatest mass of exposed granite in the United States".To ascend the mountain by is easiest route, the Cascading Co...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Day Hike to Lake Ingalls

    4.3
    9 mi / 2500 ft gain
    From the parking lot you start out on an old miners road that leads to the trail. Keep right at the first fork (left lead to Esmeralda Basin), then in about 2 miles, go left at the next fork (right leads to Ingalls Pass). The trail will climb steadily as you continue. In about another mile you wi...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Mountain Run to Lake Ann and Ingalls

    9 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Both trails start at the Esmeralda Trailhead, Trail Number 1394. Lake Ann has a handful of folks that you will run into, whereas Lake Ingalls is a well-traveled trail. Both offer camping spots along the trail, and Lake Ann has spots where you can camp by the lake. NO CAMPING ALLOWED at Lake Ingal...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments: Leprechaun Lake via Snow Lake Trailhead

    4.7
    19.57 mi / 5948 ft gain
    The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to c...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camp at Nada Lake

    10.6 mi / 3800 ft gain
    Being one of the lucky recipients of an Enchantments overnight permit can't happen for everybody. So, for the rest of us, taking to the mountains in the winter is an awesome way to bypass this system and experience the central Cascades in a completely different, colder way. The suffering is almos...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb Prusik Peak's West Ridge

    18 mi / 5000 ft gain
    The Enchantments are an amazing experience in themselves.  Yet one of the most striking features of any hike into the core zone of the Enchantments is that of Prusik Peak.  This pyramid like spire rises dramatically from the many puddle lakes and boulder fields you pass along your way.  With it's...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments Mountain Run

    5.0
    18 mi / 6000 ft gain
    At the Snow Lake Trail, you start at a elevation of 1400 feet and run up to Nada Lake 5000 feet at 5.6 miles. From here, you make your way to Lower and Upper Snow Lake, 2.2 miles. There are a lot of campsites in this area, but you have to apply to stay the night at these lakes. You will need to...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Run to Lower Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    Friday after work I headed out to Snow Lake Trail and found my perfect camping spot. There is a sign that says no Camping but I broke the rule since I got the ok from the Forrest Department of Agriculture. Spent the night at Snow Lake and then Saturday I ran over to Gem Lake and notice no one t...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camping in Leavenworth

    It's an easy day hike to the Ridge of only 2.5 miles. On the ridge you can relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and a view of Leavenworth. I went into the Rangers office to ask for a good spot to take night time photos and this is one of the areas they suggested. Make sure you ge...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Spade and Venus Lakes

    5.0
    26.47 mi / 5728 ft gain
    Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments: Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead

    5.0
    18.02 mi / 4626 ft gain
    There are a couple different ways to tackle this hike through the stunning Central Cascade region. I recommend checking out this handy resource for more detailed info. Bottom line: this is an absolutely amazing hike for people willing to take a little bit of an ass kicking. Aasgard Pass rises 1,...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Scramble to the Summit of Dragontail Peak

    16 mi / 7000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Hike to the Enchantments' Horseshoe Lake

    1.0
    16 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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