Seasonal closure begins at Cashmere Canyons Preserve to protect habitat

CASHMERE — The Cashmere Canyons Preserve, a nearly 2,200-acre trail system north of town, has entered its seasonal winter closure, with public access restricted through early spring to protect critical wildlife habitat.

The preserve, located off Nahahum Canyon Road, is a popular destination during warmer months for hiking, trail running and snowshoeing, offering expansive views of the Wenatchee Valley, the Cascades and the Entiat Mountains. Each winter, however, access is limited to reduce disturbance to mule deer and other wildlife that rely on the area’s shrub-steppe and ridgeline habitat during the coldest months of the year, when food sources are scarce and energy conservation is critical.

According to posted trail conditions, the preserve closed to public access on Jan. 2 and is expected to remain closed through early April as part of its annual wildlife protection measures. Seasonal closures are a longstanding component of how the preserve is managed, balancing public recreation with habitat conservation.

The Cashmere Canyons Preserve is privately owned and managed in cooperation with conservation partners, with both seasonal closures and year-round rules designed to protect sensitive landscapes while maintaining long-term public access. When the preserve is open, trails are available for day use only, from dawn to dusk. Dogs, bicycles, motorized vehicles and overnight use are not permitted.

Visitors planning winter outings are encouraged to take the closure into account and to seek alternative recreation opportunities elsewhere in the valley until spring conditions return. The preserve’s reopening typically coincides with improving weather and wildlife conditions later in the season.

Officials emphasize that respecting seasonal closures helps ensure the preserve remains accessible to the public in the long term, while supporting the health of the wildlife and ecosystems that make the area a valued local resource.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media