West Shady Pass to Big Hill

Total Miles10.3
Technical Rating
2Easy
Best TimeSpring, Summer
Trail TypeFull-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

Big Hill is one of the best campsites in Washington. 360-degree views cover both the Chelan Mountains and Lake Chelan with some of the most incredible sunrises and sunsets you'll ever experience. The cabin at the top of Big Hill is open to the public but there is also a flat area for tents. The Forest Service also refers to the peak of this hill as "the phonebooth" as there is about a 10-foot by 10-foot area of cell reception (assuming you stand up tall and don't move around too much). Be sure to keep an eye out for wildfires during summer and report any smoke you see, as Big Hill gives you a very long view and you may well be the first to see a new fire. The road up Shady Pass is a well-maintained dirt road with plenty of dust but minimal washboarding and potholes. The road off Shady Pass to Big Hill is rougher, with sharp rocks and narrow sections, but overall accessible to vehicles with moderate ground clearance.

Photos of West Shady Pass to Big Hill

Difficulty

The road from Shady Pass to Big Hill has sections of sharp rocks, but none are large enough to cause problems for most stock vehicles.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Add Status Report
Derek C
Jun 25, 2025
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Temporarily Closed
Temporary closure from NF 5100 to Shady Pass due to Pomas fire.
Sam H
Jul 17, 2024
Open
NormalDusty
Campfire ban, and smoky. Bug repellent is a must there are so many mosquitoes.
TJ B
May 31, 2024
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Open
DustyRough/Deteriorated
Animals(bear), lake, burn areas, a Mazda…
Garnet S
Aug 01, 2023
Open
Dusty

West Shady Pass to Big Hill Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

West Shady Pass to Big Hill Map

The onX Offroad Difference

onX Offroad combines trail photos, descriptions, difficulty ratings, width restrictions, seasonality, and more in a user-friendly interface. Available on all devices, with offline access and full compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Discover what you're missing today!

Open Trail Map