Trip report from contributor Andy Jaynes on one of the many great hikes in the Leavenworth area to hit up this time of year.

Several weeks ago I was eager to get out in the mountains and do another hike. I was looking for something that had good elevation gain, in an area I hadn’t explored, for views I hadn’t seen before. I decided on the Round Mountain trail which is part of Nason Ridge just outside of Merritt (about 20 minutes west of Leavenworth). This hike provided exactly what I was looking for.

Trip report from contributor Andy Jaynes on one of the many great hikes in the Leavenworth area to hit up this time of year.

Several weeks ago I was eager to get out in the mountains and do another hike. I was looking for something that had good elevation gain, in an area I hadn’t explored, for views I hadn’t seen before. I decided on the Round Mountain trail which is part of Nason Ridge just outside of Merritt (about 20 minutes west of Leavenworth). This hike provided exactly what I was looking for.

To get to the trailhead, head west on Hwy 2 from Leavenworth until you get to FS6910 on the right; look for a row of mailboxes just before the rest area. Drive 4.5 miles on FS 6910 until you get to a split and go right for another 0.2 miles to the trailhead. You will need a Discover Pass to park in parking area at trailhead, or you can park on the side of the road before the trailhead parking lot.

Begin your ascent right away and go 1.5 miles through this fairly steep and narrow section of the trail. Then, the view opens up into meadows with many types of wild flowers as you walk through the edge of the 1990’s wild fire burn area. Cross a number of fallen trees that are crossing the trail along the way. Then, begin hiking up for another 0.5 mile or so until you reach the Nason Ridge and Round Mountain trail signs. From here, you can go either right or left along Nason Ridge. Heading left provides the quickest and easiest Northerly look out points from where you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Lake Wenatchee far below and the beautiful snow-covered Glacier Peak off in the distance.

As of the end of June, there were still a couple of feet of hard-packed snow on the trail towards the summit and along Nason Ridge. It was easy enough to trek through in hiking boots (snow shoes not needed), though the trail did become hard to find and follow at times. The key I found was to follow other boot tracks. There are also several cairns along the way to help confirm you’re still on the trail.

One of the last remaining fire lookout towers is several more miles west along the Nason Ridge trail. This is supposed to provide views of close to a dozen peaks, ridges, and ranges. I had to cut my hike short since the trail became too difficult to follow due to the remaining snow but you bet I’ll be back, and next time I’ll make it to the Alpine Lookout Tower.