Naches Pass Trail (1175/684)

Distance: 9.56 miles

Running Time: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Pass Needed: Yes for west half (1175), Northwest Forest Pass. No for east side (684)

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In 1853 Washington Territory was established and shortly thereafter a route was made from Walla Walla to Fort Steilacoom via Naches Pass. However, the pass was not a good one and the route proved to be very difficult which resulted in very little use by the first settlers.

Today the western half of the trail numbered 1175 is open to wheeled vehicles only from July 15th through November 15th and Northwest Forest passes are required. The eastern half numbered 684 is open year round but due to snow is usually not available to wheeled vehicles during the winter and becomes a favorite for snowmobilers and cross country skiers.

The Naches is one of our favorites for its beautiful scenery. At Government Meadows you will find Camp Urich. Located south of the trail a few hundred yards on the Pacific Crest hiking trail, Camp Urich is a log cabin complete with a loft, plexiglass windows and a wood stove. There is an outhouse behind the cabin and you may use the cabin on a first come first served basis. You may find yourself sharing the cabin with hikers using the trail but all are welcome here. The cabin looks out on Government Meadows, a beautiful and huge meadow where if you're lucky you may see deer or elk in the evenings. There is usually a log book here with coments left by earlier visitors, take the time to sign it if you like.

Continuing eastward you will quickly come to a historical sign outligning the basic history of the trail. To the east of here there are a few tougher sections but for the most part it continues to be fairly easy.

Lots of opportunity exists to exit if one does not wish to continue as the trail passes across several logging roads at many points. On the eastern end, the trail east of the FS1913 road is now designated by the Forest Service as a motorcycle only trail, not suitable for 4x4 vehicles.