Manastash Ridge Trail, Moderate 4x4 trail in Ellensburg, WA
    Moderate
    Trail
    4.3

    Manastash Ridge Trail

    Ellensburg, WANorthwest

    Manastash Ridge Trail is a moderate 25 miles off-road trail near Ellensburg, WA. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Tow strap and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    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

    #1

    Manastash Ridge sits at the transition between the wet Cascades and the dry Columbia Basin.

    #2

    Central Washington University in Ellensburg operates a geological field station in the area.

    #3

    The ridge was used by Yakama people for thousands of years as a seasonal hunting ground.

    Length
    25 miles
    Elevation
    2,500 - 5,800 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    Valley panoramasShrub-steppe terrainWildflowersLess crowdedCentral WA

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2" lift kit

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Tow strap

    🛡️ Protection

    recommended
    Skid plates
    1
    Umtanum Road Access
    46.8765, -120.6543
    2
    Ridge Summit
    46.9456, -120.7234

    Closest campgrounds to Manastash Ridge Trail:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    46.9234, -120.7123

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