Trails are closed each winter to protect mule deer winter habitat
information released
Chelan County PUD and Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) will reopen the Wenatchee Foothills trail system for public use on Monday, April 1.
Every December, these trails temporarily close to protect vital mule deer winter habitat, giving wildlife the space they need to survive the harshest months without human disturbance. Now, with spring on the horizon, the trails are ready to welcome hikers, runners, and nature lovers once again.
“We greatly appreciate everyone’s compliance with the winter closure,” said Chelan PUD Senior Wildlife Biologist Von Pope. “The Wenatchee Foothills are tremendously valuable for deer and other wildlife, especially during the winter months, and for trails users during the spring, summer, and fall.”
Chelan PUD manages Home Water Wildlife Preserve— approximately 960 acres in the heart of Sage Hills— as part of its federal license to operate Rock Island Dam. Winter closures are a condition of the permitted seasonal trail use.
Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the City of Wenatchee also close public access to more than 2,200 acres of open space adjacent to PUD property to provide additional winter range for wildlife.
“In 2025, we will focus on trail sustainability and access improvements throughout the Foothills,” said Ryan Graig, CDLT’s Trails Project Manager. “This spring, we will be re-grading the Coyote Canyon Trail, improving accessibility at Horse Lake Trailhead, and restoring sections of the Lower Castle Rock trails. In the fall, we will reconstruct the Saddle Rock East Trail and re-grade the Lightning Trail.”
Alongside these improvements, CDLT invites the community to celebrate 40 years of land conservation by joining us outdoors and participating in 40 free upcoming events. Visit our website or follow us on social media to stay updated on trail conditions, weather-related closures, and event changes.
