Big Jim Mountain

Getting here

From Leavenworth, drive SR-2 west to the Wenatchee River. Just over the river to the west is an unsigned road. This is Hatchery Creek Road (Forest Road 7905). Drive Hatchery Creek Road for 2.5 miles to the trailhead (2,800 ft). High clearance vehicles only are recommended.

Approach & Ascent

Hatchery Creek approach

18 miles round trip, 5,300 feet elevation gain, dificulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 2

Hike the Hatchery Creek Trail 3 miles to its junction with the Badlands Trail. Continue straight on the Hatchery Creek Trail for another 3.5 miles until it ends at the junction with the Icicle Ridge Trail. Hike the Icicle Ridge Trail to Lake Augusta. Follow the eastern shore of Lake Augusta and climb easy but loose rock to gain the southern ridge. Follow the ridge to the broad, easy slopes at the summit of Big Jim Mountain.

Badlands Approach

16 miles round trip, 6,000 feet elevation gain, difficulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 3

Hike the Hatchery Creek Trail for 3 miles to its junction with the Badlands Trail. Follow the Badlands Trail north to ~6,200 ft. From here begin cross-country travel west toward Big Jim Mountain Lakes. From the southernmost of the Big Jim Mountain Lakes, ascend the southeast slopes of Big Jim Mountain directly toward the summit or gain the southern ridge as in the Hatchery Creek approach.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 18.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,300 ft
• High Point: 7,763 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12