Squilchuck State Park

Squilchuck State Park: High-Elevation Mountain Recreation Haven with Rustic Lodge and Year-Round Adventures

Squilchuck State Park offers visitors an elevated 249-acre wilderness experience at 3,200 feet below Mission Ridge near Wenatchee, featuring steeply forested hillsides of fir and ponderosa pine alongside spectacular views of the Columbia River watershed. This unique mountain park combines group camping facilities, a rustic event lodge, and extensive trail networks that transform from summer mountain biking and hiking destinations into popular winter snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow play areas throughout the changing seasons.

Squilchuck State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Squilchuck State Park showcases the dramatic beauty of North Central Washington’s high country, positioned strategically below Mission Ridge where visitors experience authentic mountain forest ecosystems featuring meadows, rock outcrops, and expansive northward views across the Columbia River watershed. The park’s distinctive character emerges from its combination of high-elevation recreation opportunities and specialized group facilities, including the rustic Squilchuck Lodge with large windows and high ceilings designed for weddings, reunions, and special gatherings. The forested landscape transforms dramatically with seasons, from brilliant autumn colors and spring wildflower displays to winter snow conditions that create ideal environments for Nordic recreation and mountain snow play.

Located just eight miles from Wenatchee with year-round access, Squilchuck State Park serves visitors seeking mountain recreation without extensive backcountry travel, offering both day-use opportunities and group overnight experiences. The park’s trail system connects adventurers to extended mountain biking routes including access to Mission Ridge Road and Wheeler Reservoir, while winter conditions provide some of the region’s most accessible snow sports opportunities close to urban amenities.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Squilchuck State Park provides specialized group facilities including one group campsite accommodating up to 100 guests with a 20-person minimum, designed for tents, cars, and smaller RVs without hookups, plus restrooms with shower facilities nearby. The park features the distinctive Squilchuck Lodge available by reservation for events up to 75 guests, equipped with range and oven, two refrigerators, microwave, indoor seating arrangements, and outdoor picnic tables, surrounded by large grassy areas ideal for gatherings. Additional amenities include two group day-use areas, comprehensive trail networks with connections to extended mountain biking routes, and seasonal interpretive programs offered in cooperation with Wenatchee Parks Department.

Camping & Accommodations

Squilchuck State Park offers group camping exclusively, with one large campsite accommodating up to 100 guests and requiring a minimum of 20 people for reservations. The group camp operates from May 1 through October 14, accepting tents, cars, and smaller RVs without hookup facilities, while providing nearby restroom and shower access. Reservations may be made up to nine months in advance by calling (509) 664-6373, with camping check-in at 2:30 p.m. and check-out at 1 p.m. The Squilchuck Lodge remains available year-round for group events and gatherings.

Planning Your Visit

Squilchuck State Park operates daily from 8 a.m. to dusk year-round, with the main campground closed October 15 through April 30 while the Squilchuck Lodge remains available throughout winter months. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access, with annual passes available for $45 or daily passes for $10. Winter visitors should prepare for snow conditions and seasonal road access challenges, while summer guests can enjoy local services, wineries, and wine-tasting events available within a few miles of the park. Reservations are essential for both group camping and lodge use, with advance planning recommended particularly during peak seasons and popular event dates.

What to Bring & Know

• Mountain biking equipment for extensive trail networks and connections to Mission Ridge area routes
• Layered clothing for high-elevation conditions and variable mountain weather patterns
• Winter recreation gear including snowshoes, cross-country skis, or fat tire bikes for seasonal activities
• Group event planning materials if utilizing the Squilchuck Lodge facilities
• Camera for capturing seasonal wildflower displays and Columbia River watershed views from elevated vantage points

Final Word

Squilchuck State Park delivers exceptional high-elevation mountain recreation experiences where specialized group facilities, extensive trail networks, and dramatic seasonal transformations create lasting memories in Central Washington’s spectacular Mission Ridge country.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.