Manastash Ridge Trail
Manastash Ridge Trail is a moderate 25 miles off-road trail near Ellensburg, WA, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and Tow strap as required, and 2" lift kit and Skid plates as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
Manastash Ridge offers a distinctly different Pacific Northwest experience. Instead of dripping rainforest, you'll find golden bunchgrass, scattered ponderosa pine, and wide-open views of the Kittitas Valley and Cascade Range. The ridge trail climbs from the agricultural valley floor to viewpoints where you can see from Mt. Rainier to Mt. Stuart on clear days. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays of balsamroot and lupine that carpet the hillsides in gold and purple.
Fun Facts
Manastash Ridge sits at the transition between the wet Cascades and the dry Columbia Basin.
Central Washington University in Ellensburg operates a geological field station in the area.
The ridge was used by Yakama people for thousands of years as a seasonal hunting ground.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Manastash Ridge Trail:
- Stagecoach RV Park · Selah · 7 mi (straight-line)
- Riders Camp · 13 mi (straight-line)
- Squaw Rock Resort · Naches · 13 mi (straight-line)
- Taneum Campground · 14 mi (straight-line)
- Big Pines · Yakima · 15 mi (straight-line)
- Cottonwood Campground - Naches River · Naches · 15 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Ellensburg, WA
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.