Colockum Wildlife Area

The Colockum Wildlife Area spans 105,662 acres within Washington state. The area is located between the cities of Wenatchee and Ellensburg. There are 3 named mountains in the Colockum Wildlife Area. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Mission Peak. The area is protected and has minimal trails throughout in order to preserve the land. The southwest section is hilly while the northwest section becomes more mountainous. The region has more annual rainfall than the land just to the east of it since it sits in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. Elevations range within the park from 480 feet up to 6,875 feet. The landscape is often steep, rocky, with ridges and canyons throughout. Sections of the Colokum Wildlife Area lie within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Main Hiking Areas

Mission Peak Loop

As the highest point within the wildlife area, Mission Peak is a popular hiking destination. The loop trail hikes 9.3 miles up and around Mission Peak with 2,483 feet of elevation gain. Hike through wildflower fields before reaching the summit of Mission Peak. From the top hikers can look out over the Colokum Wildlife Area, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and see the east side of the Cascade Mountains stretch north to south. Mission Ridge is a ski resort so the top of the hike has expansive views of the surrounding area.

Clara Lake and Marion Lake

One of the most popular hikes in the area, Clara Lake and Marion Lake trail is 2.9-miles long with 960 feet of elevation gain. The hike is steep, gaining nearly 1,000 feet in just over a mile. The trail follows along a river before it reaches Clara Lake. Take a break or continue upward to Marion Lake. The small lakes offer a clearing amongst the dense forest and the perfect spot to enjoy some of the area’s quaint scenery.

Major Cities and Resorts

Wenatchee

The nearest major town to the Colokum Wildlife Area is Wenatchee. The city is referred to as the “Apple Capital of the World'' due to the abundance of apple orchards. It is the largest city in Chelan County with a population of approximately 34,000. The town is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range. The town was named after the Wantchi indigenous tribe, meaning “river which comes from canyons''. The city is surrounded by land for hiking, biking, and skiing during the winter months.

Ellensburg

Ellensburg is located on the southside of Colokum Wildlife Area. It is just east of the foothills of the Cascade Range and has a population of 21,000. The city is home to Central Washington University, one of the state’s major universities. Ellensburg sits on the Yakima River within the Kittitas Valley. The city is home to the Ellensburg Farmers Market and is the host of the annual Winterhop Brewfest held in January. Nestled at the foothills of the Cascades, the city is surrounded by hiking trails and close to multiple ski resorts.