Trail Overview
Devil’s Gulch is a long intermediate route through the Wenatchee National Forest that is full of narrow and exposed side-hilling, fun flowy forested segments, and a few techy rocky sections. In general, the trail is a gradual descent from south to north, losing about 3,300 feet over 12 miles. The southern half of the trail has some tighter terrain, as it zigzags and switchbacks down the hillsides. The switchbacks are mostly wide, smooth, and gradual. The main technical aspect of the trail is the exposure – there are several really narrow segments of side-hilling across sloughed-off hillsides, where the trail is high above the Mission Creek, and veering off trail would have high consequences. These sections are sometimes just smooth dirt, but other times have a bit of loose rock and shale. In general, this trail is a bit rockier than the parallel Mission Ridge Trail. There are a couple of rocky stream crossings, where there are round rolling rocks in the stream, and the entrance and exit to the creek are steep and rutted. The north end of the trail rides past several really scenic spots next to giant rock outcroppings. Overall, it’s a great trail that makes a loop with Mission Ridge through similar intermediate terrain.
Difficulty
This is overall an intermediate trail, mostly due to several narrow side-hilling segments with significant exposure that are not ideal for inexperienced riders. Riders can also expect moderate switchbacks, tight terrain, overgrown vegetation, loose rocks, and rocky creek crossings. It’s a long route, but most of the terrain is gradual. Since part of this trail goes through a burn area, it will likely require extensive log cutting in early season every year, but as of July 2026 it was clear of any logs due to extensive work from local volunteers that maintain the trails. Watch out for new log hazards.
Access Description
A valid Digital Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency Recreation Pass is required for each vehicle parked at Lower Devils Gulch Trailhead. Washington State Discover Passes are not valid at US Fee Sites. Day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day.
