Lake Chelan Trails Alliance dedicates lower Reach Trail

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Lake Chelan Trails Alliance dedicated the 2.4 mile long Reach 1 Trail on Saturday morning, May 15.

Guy Evans thanked the trail partners which include the City of Chelan, Chelan County PUD (land owners), the Lookout, Chelan Health and Wellness and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust who handled the financial issues.

The actual trail, which was first proposed during the Chelan Dam Relicensing efforts, was finally authorized by the PUD as long as the City of Chelan took ownership of trail legalities and maintenance. The Alliance signed an agreement with the City of Chelan to  maintain and operate the trail.

The Eastern Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the Lake Chelan Rotary Club and others volunteered time to construct the trail.

“The unsung hero of this trail is Bob Knauss,” said Evans. Knauss worked countless hours cutting in the new trail with a trail machine. Chelan Ranger District’s Paul Willard helped layout the trail and worked hours to support Knauss in the effort.

“We are grateful for both of your work,” said Evans. The completion of this newest trail was a true collective effort by many in the community.

The Trails Alliance continues to work on access to land for trails in and around the Lake Chelan Valley.

Along with the dedication, the Trail Alliance held a self guided walk/run on the trail.

Construction of the trail began in the Spring of 2020 and was completed this Spring with a total budget of $12,500.

For more information on the Lake Chelan Trails Alliance or to donate, visit https://www.lakechelantrails.org/