Cady Ridge Trail

Cady Ridge Trail (#1532) is a strenuous out-and-back ridge hike in Washington’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Expect a hard climb from the trailhead onto the ridge line, then a longer ridge walk that carries you toward the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) connection at about 6.5 miles.

From Little Wenatchee Ford Trailhead, the route starts by following Cady Creek Trail (#1501) for roughly 0.5–0.6 miles, then branches right onto Cady Ridge Trail (#1532). The steepest work comes early: switchbacks give way to a more direct, sandy uphill where you gain most of your elevation.

After the initial grind, the ridge walk opens up into higher meadows along the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. The trail rolls along the ridge after the climbing portion eases, transitioning from the steep approach to sustained, easier progress on ridge terrain.

At about mile 6.5, Cady Ridge Trail reaches a T-intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail. This is the hinge point for most out-and-back trips, and it’s also where you can continue on the PCT toward Lake Sally Ann to the south (roughly 0.3–0.4 mile beyond the junction).

Distance expectations for the commonly hiked out-and-back are about 12.5 miles, with a longer option reaching up to around 15 miles if you add a PCT loop/extension. Plan on roughly 7–8 hours for a typical hard effort, depending on pace and how far you go past the junction.

Access is via Little Wenatchee Ford Trailhead. Parking typically requires a Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass), and the last approaches up forest roads can be dirt and potentially rough; road conditions can change seasonally.

More information: Visitor information, Cady Ridge-Cady Creek Loop - Wenatchee Outdoors, Cady Ridge \u0026 Pacific Crest Trail - The Mountaineers