Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 47.79758°N / 120.81726°W
Additional Information County: Chelan
Activities Activities: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Elevation: 5700 ft / 1737 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Round Mountain is the easternmost officially-named summit on Nason Ridge, located in Chelan County, Washington. The mountain was named by former Forest Supervisor A.H. Sylvester, giving acknowledgement to the mountain's broad, rounded top. The eastern slopes of Round Mountain were scorched during a forest fire, and the remnants of the forest fire can still be seen along Round Mountain Trail #1529 in the bark-less stands of trees left behind.
Round MountainHiking Through The Area Of A Former Forest Fire...

The upper slopes of the peak are hiked regularly, via the Round Mountain Trail #1529 and Nason Ridge Trail #1583, although the summit is seldom reached. The summit is a wide forested area, and the thick treecover prevents most possible unobstructed outward views. However, various areas near the summit and on some open slopes provide great views of surrounding peaks.
Round Mountain Summit ViewLooking North Towards Glacier Peak...

Round Mountain can be summited year-round, and can make for a short, straightforward, enjoyable snowshoeing destination during Winter and Spring months. Most people visiting the Round Mountain summit are either going to or coming from nearby Alpine Lookout, a very popular hiking destination, or hiking Nason Ridge Trail #1583.
Round MountainLooking Down Eastern Slopes...

Getting There

Round Mountain can be approached from the west & east via Nason Ridge Trail #1583, or from the southeast via Round Mountain Trail #1529. The most standard approach, which is also the shortest/most direct approach, is via Round Mountain Trail #1529. Here are the directions for the standard approach:

FROM STEVENS PASS, WA:
1) Drive east along Highway 2.
2) After 17.2 miles, and shortly after passing by the Nason Creek Rest Area, turn left at the next road. This road is not marked along Highway 2, but is Forest Road 6910. For the first mile, the road is shown on some maps as Butcher Creek Road.
3) After 4.4 miles along Forest Road 6910, encounter a "Y" intersection. Veer right to turn onto Forest Road 6910-170.
4) Drive 0.1 miles to the trailhead/parking area (~3950' elevation) for Round Mountain Trail #1529.
Round Mountain TrailheadRound Mountain Trailhead


NOTE: Forest Road 6910 and Forest Road 6910-170 are each drivable by any street-legal vehicle.
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5) Hike northwest up Round Mountain Trail #1529 for 1.6 miles, until its end/junction (~5150' elevation) with Nason Ridge Trail #1583.
6) Turn left (west) at the trail junction and hike Nason Ridge Trail #1583 for ~0.3 miles, until immediately east of the summit.
7) Begin hiking west, off-trail, to the summit, gaining ~200' elevation in the process.
Round MountainHiking Off-Trail Towards Summit...

Round Mountain SummitAt Round Mountain Summit Area...

Red Tape

A Northwest Forest Pass (i.e. parking permit) is required for all vehicles parked at the Round Mountain Trailhead.

All hiking parties (including solo hikers) are required to sign-in at a free summit register located at the trailhead. This is important, because it helps the U.S. Forest Service determine which trails get the most use and might need the most focus.

Round Mountain Trail #1529 is for hiking, biking, and equestrian use only. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on that trail.

Camping

Backcountry camping is permitted within Wenatchee National Forest. Please contact the Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters, to determine suitable camping locations near the area.

White Pine Campground is an officially established campground located near Highway 2, several miles west of the highway junction with Forest Road 6910.