Home › Washington › Wenatchee › Lake Clara Trailhead
Lake Clara Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Wenatchee, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lake Clara Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail, with lakes and a forest, known for its scenic views, but can be steep.
What runners say about Lake Clara Trailhead
“The Lake Clara Trailhead offers an inviting gateway to a scenic and moderately challenging hike in Washington state.”
Was a beautiful day for a hike in the PNW. Got to the trailhead at 6:30 and I was the first car in the parking lot. Parking lot is at Mission Ridge, once you see the Mission Ridge sign the parking will be to the left. The trail was in great condition and was gorgeous. Round trip was 3.
Beautiful hike for Larches! Lake Clara offers great views and a nice reward for the hike in(a little less than two miles). Hike is steep at the beginning(900ft elevation change) but then tapers off to a nice walk through the yellow larch covered trails.
Trail is pretty steep for first .75 miles towards the lakes, then evens out. Signage could definitely be improved. hike was very pretty and will be even better in a few weeks once larches are in full shift. Clara Lake is the bigger and more impressive of the two.
Ended up in the desert of Wenatchee over the weekend. Decided to try and find some green nature and discovered this great little trailhead which is a part of Squilhuck State Park. The hike is super easy and gives access to two beautiful small little lakes; Marion and Clara.
Trail conditions & character
“The Lake Clara Trailhead offers an inviting gateway to a scenic and moderately challenging hike in Washington state.”
“Hike is steep at the beginning(900ft elevation change) but then tapers off to a nice walk through the yellow larch covered trails.”
“Decided to try and find some green nature and discovered this great little trailhead which is a part of Squilhuck State Park.”
“Marion lake is worth the short hike for easier and access to water for dogs or put your feet in.”
Plan your run at Lake Clara Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewta.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Wenatchee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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