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Swakane Canyon

Kamloops Trails Posted on by

Swakane Canyon is north of Wenatchee just off Highway 97 (Alt.) on the west side of the Columbia River.   Drive north for 8.7 km, then turn left on the Swakane Road.   Follow this rougher dirt road for 5 km and park where an old double track road climbs uphill, bearing east.   The entire hike is on a double track that winds up the ridges.

SwakaneThe rocky hillsides are covered in grass with a few scattered trees.  This is the drier, eastern end of the Entiat Mountains.   The trail climbs 680m (2231 feet) into the Swakane State Wildlife Area.

IMG_9320rTo the south are the dry Burch Mountains.

swakane pano 1brWildflowers lined the double track all the way up as the route rounded ridges overlooking the Columbia River near the Rocky Reach Dam.

IMG_9406brWildflowers were abundant along the route as seen in the video:

A hike on a double track switchbacking up a mostly-barren mountain would not normally be a great choice for a hike, but in spring we were enchanted by an abundance of  wildflowers and great views.   A one-way 9km track is provided here for hikers who want to explore the Swakane Ridges.

About KamloopsTrails

I started exploring this area in 1976 and I continue to follow tracks and routes wherever they lead, with the aid of map, compass, GPSr and camera. After many dead-ends, but also many discoveries, I chose to share this information. Getting out 12 months each year, I continue to explore trails, tracks, routes, and waterways of the Kamloops area and beyond.

Comments

Swakane Canyon — 3 Comments

  1. I don’t know where or who to ask this question.I am wheelchair bound always enjoyed camping hiking outdoors but find accessible routes very hard to find.
    Does anyone know of places my husband and I as well as others in wheelchairs can again enjoy what everyone else can once again.
    Any road trails.or trails with fairly good trails without steps tree roots I would be so great full. Next time your hiking check if your trail may work. It would be nice to post accessible trails around kamloops
    Wendy follweiter-labrie
    Labrie@telus.net.

    • I will keep that in mind, Wendy. One trail that will work for you is at Isobel Lake where some of the local organizations have been building a low mobility trail. It is not complete all the way around the lake yet (because of the cost)but it still has some good sections for an out and back outing.

      • Thank you we have been up to Isabella lake just went to the camp shelter with our grandkids. Will have to go back try the other side thanks keep us in mind. I always get asked this question by others that just have no mobility use in their legs and used to be very outdoor people.
        Respectfully
        Wendy labrie

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