Explore Jacobson Preserve
About Jacobson Preserve
Jacobson Preserve
is a north facing slope (elevation 1100 to 1440 feet) that is shrub steppe habitat just outside city limits of Wenatchee, north of Saddle Rock at the beginning of Canyon 2, managed by Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, with 3 photo points monitored year round for observing ability of shrub steppe to heal after reclamation to native habitat.
About the Land Manager
Neal Hedges, Stewardship Coordinator for Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. Neal may be reached at 509-667-9708 or by email.
At the Trailhead
Trailhead is directly off of Skyline Drive. Please park in designated spaces at WRAC or on west side of Skyline. Walk to trailhead, marked by three-panel kiosk with doggie poo bag station. The Witnessing Change sign (above) is on 2nd switchback of trail.
This property is located just outside the Wenatchee City limits, in the Wenatchee Foothills. It lies just north of Saddle Rock and at the beginning of Canyon Number 2. The property’s shrub-steppe environment is of the highest quality and part of the 3% historic un-disturbed shrub-steppe left in Washington State. Jacobson Preserve has remarkable plant and bird diversity and is classified as important mule deer winter habitat. From early to mid-1900s, the area was grazed by cattle and sheep and was explored in the 1970 & 1980s for gold mining opportunities.
Explore the photos taken over time at Jacobson Preserve
to see how citizens are helping to generate scientific data.
In terms of recreation, the area has long been enjoyed by locals. In 2000, the Jacobson family left a permanent legacy to the Wenatchee community when it donated these 35 acres to the Land Trust. This gift guarantees permanent community access to enjoy the beauty of the foothills. Each spring, Jacobson Preserve becomes an outdoor classroom for Wenatchee first graders who learn about native plants, insects, and animal tracks—all minutes from their schools. This experience plants the seed of stewardship in our next generation and brings diverse groups onto the land. With their gift, the Jacobsons ensured the preservation of shrub-steppe habitat for humans, plants, and animals…forever.
Preparing for Your Trip
- walk-in
- year-round access
- please avoid trail when it is muddy
- dogs on leashes allowed, pack out all waste
- pack-it-in, pack-it-out
- open to all non-motorized users
Driving Directions
In Wenatchee, follow Western Ave to its southern most extreme until it becomes Canyon Number 2 Road. Take the 1st left onto Skyline Drive. After 500 feet, the road takes a sharp left turn. Jacobson preserve sits above that curve. Parking is available to the right in the Wenatchee Racket and Athletic Club parking lot. Please park in designated spots along the fence on the north side of the parking lot or along the west side of Skyline Drive.