Naches Trail

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4.9/5 (36 reviews)
Greenwater, Washington (King County)
Last Updated: 11/16/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mud Category Icon Mud
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Water Category Icon Water
Naches Trail is a 12.26-mile-long trail from Western Washington over the Naches Pass into Eastern Washington and follows a wagon trail used by settlers in the mid-1800s. The trail is fairly easy for most 4x4 vehicles and does not require any special equipment. It rolls through deep dark forests up to high mountain meadows with beautiful views of surrounding valleys, canyons, and Mt. Rainier. There are several creek crossings, but most areas that might cause trail damage are protected by several wooden bridges. This trail is very popular, and you can expect to run into other rigs and motorcycles coming in the opposite direction. Because of its rich history and overall beauty, this trail is known to most as a favorite and must-do trail. This trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a hiking trail from Mexico to Canada. It is at this point that a cabin was built that is free for use to all. While you are crossing over the pass, try to imagine wagon trains pulled by oxen struggling across the same terrain.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Naches trail is mostly soft dirt and gravel. This trail can get muddy early or late in the season. This is a straight-through trail and can be driven in either direction. For this trail guide, it was written from west to east. This trail follows an old wagon trail that was used by settlers in the early 1800s to the summit over the mountain pass into western Washington. The trail is about 12.26 miles in length, so allow about 4 hours to complete. This trail will have three different starting points. Starting point 1 is for experienced drivers and is best navigated with some kind of lift and larger tires with good tread. Starting point 2 would be considered a good place for intermediate drivers, and starting point 3 would be for stock or beginner drivers.

Trail Reviews

4.9/5 (36)
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Official Crew
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35000
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 11/16/2023

This trail is now closed due to seasonal snow levels.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This a really fun trail, it would not be a hard trail if it wasn’t for the trees, but if you can dodge them it’s a good time. Doable in a stock rubicon gladiator
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

We ran it in a JLUR and a JKR starting from entry point #2. The brown-sign w/yellow lettering was missing. It was a tight fit and the missing bumper-level bark on many trees shows many have found it too tight. For some reason I thought the trail would ease up in the latter portions but was very mistaken -- a steep up-and-over hill in the latter few miles had us rechecking our maps that we were going the correct way. One of the boardwalk-bridges though what in wet seasons would be a bog was so narrow that a brief moment of driver distraction left two wheels of one of the jeeps off the edge, resting on the shock mounts on the rail leading to a 90 minute recovery. The trail took significantly longer than I expected even without the recovery.
Trail Review: Naches Trail - Jason H Martin
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this trail yesterday (7/20/23) in a lifted 80 series on 35s. It was a blast. Dry and dusty, with a few muddy spots remaining. Conditions made it fairly straight forward. I agree with the rating - despite the hills being steeper than videos make them appear (as is always the case), etc., I’d say this is a pretty straight forward trail in terms of driving skills if you have a capable rig. I did miss the cabin, so if you’re interested in that make sure you read the trail description well.
Trail Review: Naches Trail - Roland Hale
Trail Review: Naches Trail - Roland Hale
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Official Crew
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35000
Open
Visited: 07/15/2023

The Naches trail opens on 7/16/23 and not before. Don't get caught on the West side of Government Meadows before that. First runs are starting at 7am on 7/16/23 and I'll be in the lead.

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