From the start, the Duncan Hill trail climbs efficiently up away from the trailhead as you traverse the 2014 Duncan Fire. For the first mile, the sight of thousands of skeletal trees may take your breath away, but as you continue to hike along the full story of forest regeneration begins to reveal itself. Early on in the hike, take note of the hundreds of fallen logs that have been cut and say a quick thanks to the local hikers and ORV users who have spent time clearing the trail.
1.5 miles into your journey the trail dips back down into an unburned pocket of mature trees giving you a much-needed break from the full exposure to the sun. However, this break from the elements doesn’t last long and in just a few tenths of a mile you’ll begin climbing once again on gently graded switchbacks.
While the trail is popular with hunters and other backcountry travelers, there are not many safe options for backcountry camping. One of the only options that is – relatively – clear of hazard trees appears just 2.5 miles into the hike. Here there is room for 2 or 3 tents in a rocky clearing just to the right of the trail. There is no water at camp, but there are wide open views towards the Chelan Mountains in the east.
The first, and only, reliable water on the trail comes as you cross Duncan Creek at mile 3.8. Here the dry, dusty trail through burnt forest is replaced by lush, green meadows with the soft sound of a trickling creek winding through the drainage. Take advantage of the access to water and be sure to filter any you need for the rest of the climb to the summit; the second half of the trail is just as exposed and shade-free as the first half.
As you leave the oasis at Duncan Creek, prepare for the real climbing to kick in as you make your final push toward the summit. At roughly the 5-mile mark, you’ll climb rather steeply through a wildflower meadow that offers not only the sweet smell of flowers, but also sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, the Stuart Range, the Entiat Mountains and Glacier Peak that dominate the skyline to the west. Let these views continue to motivate you as you climb higher and onto rougher, rockier trails past this point.
At almost exactly the 6-mile mark, the trail splits with a 0.3-mile spur taking you up to the true summit of Duncan Hill. This spur is steep and rocky, but rewards you with a full panoramic view of the peaks that have motivated you to this point. Take in the views of the peaks, as well as the various burn scars that mark the Entiat River Valley.
If panoramic views aren’t enough for you, consider extending your journey further north as the Duncan Hill Trail continues another 5 miles before connecting to the Emerald Park Trail, and provides further access to the upper portions of the Entiat backcountry. This portion of the trail is even more seldom traveled and knowledge of the area is necessary.
Note: The trail is popular with ORV users in the first few miles before crossing the wilderness border, and is popular with hunters during the appropriate seasons.