Top Adventures in Ellensburg
Hike Manastash Ridge
Manastash Ridge is a popular hike in Ellensburg, Washington, attracting many locals and students of Central Washington University. While attending school, I climbed the Ridge a handful of times, always with struggle. After making my resolution of ...
4 miles
1700 ft gain
Hike the Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail
Starting at an elevation of 2050 feet and immediately off the gravel parking lot to the side of Canyon Road, begin the uphill charge on the vast, empty Rattlesnake Dance Trail. A few steps in, the tone will be set as to what you are up against.Alt...
2.6 miles
1350 ft gain
Hike Umtanum Creek Canyon
Park your vehicle at the Umtanum Creek Canyon Recreation Area. Be aware that from mid-May to mid-September there is a $5.00 per vehicle, per day parking fee since the land is owned by Bureau of Land Management.Grab your gear and head for the swing...
3 miles
500 ft gain
Adventuring in the Frenchman Coulee
Occupying a cluster of desert canyons and mesas perched atop the cliffs overlooking the eastern bank of the mighty Columbia River, the Frenchman Coulee is a rock climber’s paradise. Featuring dozens of world-class sport and trad routes, both singl...
Rock Climb 'The Sunshine Wall'
I had never been outdoor rock climbing before, but when I heard my school was offering a trip out to Vantage, Washington over the weekend I couldn't pass up the opportunity!Vantage, Washington is smack in the middle of Washington's two largest cit...
0.5 miles
Catch the Sunset at Wild Horse Monument
If you're traveling along Hwy 90 in the middle of Washington State, the Wild Horse Monument is a fun and rather quick area to explore. Located 30 miles east of Ellensburg and 60 miles northwest of Yakima, the monument is located just across the Co...
0.4 miles
150 ft gain
Backpack to Navaho Pass
This is a beautiful trail in the Teanaway area, located in Washington State. The trailhead starts along the Stafford Creek Trail and follows the creek for the first couple miles of the trail. There are a number of different types of wildflowers ou...
12 miles
4220 ft gain
Hike Ancient Lakes
All around you, waterfalls pour over cliffs as you gaze upon colorful lakes. If you're lucky, a coyote scampers by through a patch of wildflowers – it's just another beautiful day in the Ancient Lakes basin, a gem tucked along the Columbia River G...
4 miles
Backpack Ancient Lakes
On the hunt for a dry, scenic backpack during a weekend of dreary, wet, early September weather in the mountains, we decided to head toward the high desert outside of Quincy, WA. After a short hike in, we found a site seldom seen - waterfalls and ...
4 miles
Hike to Saddle Rock
Starting from the south end of Wenatchee, hike straight up the obvious wide trail to the south side of Saddle Rock. You'll wind around the iconic rock feature and approach it from the back. A short and steep hike will reward you with wide open v...
2 miles
920 ft gain
Kayak at Cle Elum Lake
We launched our kayaks from Speelyi Beach right into Cle Elum Lake. Surrounded with views of the beautiful Cascades and the Cle Elum Dam on the northwest side, exploring is endless.
Parking: There is a small parking lot at the top of Speelyi Beac...
Backpack to Ingalls Creek
As attempting to find a good overnight spot, I stumbled upon the mostly overlooked Ingalls Creek trail. Seemingly easy to get to, this seemed like a solid option for Spring camping. When we arrived, there were about four other cars in the parking ...
11 miles
1450 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Ellensburg, Washington
Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds
Overview The gentle Yakima River winds for 27 miles through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. This area is popular for wildlife viewing, fish... -
Thorp, Washington
Taneum Cabin
Overview The Taneum Cabin is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 20 miles from Ellensburg, Washington. The cabin is available for reservation from Memorial Day weekend ... -
Cle Elum, Washington
Mineral Springs Group
Overview At an elevation of 2,500 feet, Mineral Springs Group Campground sits in the mountainous terrain of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in northern Washington. Nearby peaks and old-gr... -
Naches, Washington
Cottonwood Campground (Wa)
Overview Cottonwood Campground is located along the Naches River in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington. Craggy peaks, mountain meadows and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique land... -
Naches, Washington
Sawmill Flat Campground
Overview Sawmill Flat Campground is located along the Naches River in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington. The campground provides and ideal setting for both individual and family camping ex...
