Manastash Ridge Road
Manastash Ridge Road
Distance: 11.4 miles
Running time: Approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Not to be confused with the Manastash Trail (4W306), the Manastash Ridge Road runs from Observatory road just outside of Ellensburg along Manastash Ridge to join FS-1701 on the west end above Cliffdell. At 11.4 miles in length the road is fairly easy and suitable for most high clearance and full size vehicles. There are at least two hill climbs that will require the use of 4Low however as they are steep, rutted and comprised of loose dirt/rock. For these areas it is recommended that you have a winch handy or you will need to find a go-around, for which there are some available but we have never needed.
There are several vistas that afford some great scenic views along the trail and nice places to stop and have lunch while you enjoy the scenery. Although not terribly difficult the Manastash Ridge Road is a favorite run for us when we have people new to offloading or we are just desiring a light day in the woods.
We highly recommend a GPS for this road as numerous crossing roads and paths can make route finding confusing. We have sidetracked in the past even with using a GPS! Sporadic logging along the route can make things even more confusing at times.
Getting There:
Follow Umtanum Road southwest from Ellensburg up through Shushuskin Canyon. Once through the canyon and after about 9 miles Umtanum Road becomes Wenas Road and follows Umtanum creek west through Ellensburg pass. Shortly after Ellensburg pass the road starts down hill, Observatory road will be on the right at approximately 15 miles from Ellensburg and is usually not marked. About 100 yards off of Wenas road there is a heavy yellow gate. The gate is closed from December 15th through May 15th for wildlife and water protection. Continue north on Observatory road for 2.3 miles. You will come around a sweeping left turn in the road followed by a switchback to the right. At the switchback you will notice another road on the left. This is Manastash Ridge Road. In the past there has been a sign here that states "Mud Flats" with an arrow pointing up the road. On the west end you can either choose to exit via Barber Springs Road down to FS31 to return to Ellensburg, Follow FS1701 to FS1720 to exit to Hwy 410 and Cliffdell or if you are in the mood to do something a little more challenging you can run 4W694 (Summit Trail) to Funny rocks.
Get directions from your location with Google Maps
GPS Data File: MRR.zip (includes .gpx, .gdb, raw text data)
Printable Maps: Manastash Ridge Road .PDF (11mb)
Manastash Ridge Road .JPG (1mb)
Camping:
