Dirty Face Peak
This trail provides wonderful views into Lake Wenatchee and the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The views come with a price though, the trail is steep, dry, and hot. The trail gains 4000 ft in 4 miles, ascending some 90 switchbacks. Bring lots of water, eat your Wheeties and don’t forget a camera. After about an hour into the hike you will come upon an old logging road. Follow it for about a half mile to its end where you will find the trail starts back up (and up, and up) again. There is an old fire lookout site at the top of DirtyFace which has now been reduced to a pile of rubble. How did this peak get such a distinguished name as DirtyFace? Legend has it that JS Barnard homesteaded at the base of the peak in the late 1800’s. He worked avidly clearing his land and burning brush day in and day out. Passers by often found him with a sweaty, soot covered face. He came to be known as “old dirtyface” and the peak behind his homestead stands as a testament to his nickname.
Directions to Trailhead
From Leavenworth, start your odometer after you pass the gas station on the corner of Icicle Road and Highway 2 West. Drive 14.5 miles on Hwy 2 West and take a right on route #207 following signs to Lake Wenatchee/Fish Lake Recreation Area (or if traveling from Stevens Pass go 20.2 miles and take a left on #207). Go 4.3 miles on #207 and cross the Wenatchee River. Stay on the main road as it bears left following the signs to Ranger Station. At about 9 miles you will come to the Ranger Station on the right. Just before the station, follow the driveway on the right for a few hundred yards to the trailhead.
