Entiat

Heading south from Chelan [1] on Highway 97A, the highway descends to the Columbia (or the dammed version thereof) through hills draped in sage and grass. The town of Entiat (ANN-ee-at; pop. 900) sits along Lake Entiat, that portion of the Columbia River that backs up behind massive Rocky Reach Dam [2] 10 miles downriver.

This is orchard country; stop at a local fruit stand for fresh apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, or pears in season. South of Entiat, Highway 97A hugs the shore of the lake, passing rugged rocky slopes. Orchards edge the east shoreline.

Sights and Recreation

Near the city park, the Entiat Historical Museum (2117 Lakeshore Dr., 509/784-1832, summers only 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun.) contains local memorabilia in an 1895 farmhouse.

A mile south of Entiat is the turnoff to Entiat River Road, which leads to Entiat National Fish Hatchery (509/784-1131) and eventually to the Entiat trailhead for the Glacier Peak Wilderness [3]. Hiking trails lead up to mountain lakes above here. Also of note is Silver Falls, 30 miles up the road, with a campground and a 1.5-mile loop trail to this 150-foot waterfall.

Practicalities

Along the Entiat River Road, choose between seven Forest Service campgrounds (open May–Oct., $12); the closest is the free Pine Flat Campground, 14 miles up and located along the Mad River. Get supplies at the small store in the tiny settlement of Ardenvoir, nine miles up.

Camping and RV places are also available along the lake at Entiat City Park (509/784-1500 or 800/736-8428, open Apr.–mid-Nov., $18).

For information on the area, head to the Wenatchee National Forest Entiat Ranger Station (509/784-1511).