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Where
There are unlimited possibilities but here are a few to get you started:
MANASTASH
RIDGE
Take Main Street south to McDonald's and turn right onto Umptanum
Road. Turn right on Manastash Road and drive west to Cove Road,
then turn left and park at the trail head. It takes approximately
one hour to hike the ridge to the book, where you can sign your
name to prove to your friends that you hiked all the way to the
top.
YAKIMA
RIVER CANYON
Canyon
Road provides numerous scenic views and picnic areas located next
to the Yakima River. One of the most popular hikes in the canyon
can be found if you drive south on Canyon Road until you reach
a big bend to the left, which has a turnout on the left hand side
of the road with a trail leading up the canyon. The Canyon hike
is much steeper and more challenging than Manastash but provides
a wonderful view of the Yakima
OLD UMPTANUM
STAGECOACH ROAD
Take Main Street south to McDonald's and turn right on Umptanum
Road.
Go straight and follow the road up into the surrounding foothills
of the
southern boundary of the valley. You will see many trails to hike
along
the creek and onto the ridge if you prefer. Pioneers used to travel
this scenic sagebrush route to Yakima many years ago.
WHISKEY
DICK MOUNTAIN
Whiskey Dick mountain is the highest point between Ellensburg
and
outlying eastern areas. On a clear day one can see Moses Lake.
Take
the Old Vantage Highway east of Ellensburg for about 17 miles
until you
the highest elevation. Turn left on the dirt that leads up the
mountain.
GINKGO
PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK
Located on Old Vantage Highway, this beautiful state park includes
a
museum with excellent displays, including petrified wood and petroglyphs
(symbols written by Ancient Indians). A viewpoint and picnic area
are
nearby. The petrified forest provides makes for an interesting
walking
tour.
PAUL ROGERS
WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located on Judge Ronald Road, approximately one mile from Ellensburg,
a
19.8 acre park provides a diverse wildlife habitat to observe
while
walking on groomed trails and paths. The refuge consists of open
fields, wetlands, and woods that provide temporary and permanent
habitats for a variety of flora and fauna in the area. The variety
of
vegetation provides food for birds such as chickadees, finches,
pheasants, California quail, hawks, mallards, coyotes and cottontail
rabbits.
WILDLIFE
ACCESS AREA
The Washington Department of Wildlife maintains the natural setting
of
the park along the Yakima River, providing public fishing and
scenic
nature trails that follow the river. The park is located 3 miles
south
of Ellensburg. Follow Canyon Road to Ringer Loop Road and turn
right.
Follow the road until you see the public fishing sign. A parking
permit
is required and can be obtained from any store location that sells
hunting and fishing licenses.
IRENE RINEHART
RIVERFRONT
This park contains 124 acres and is located along the Yakima River
west
of Ellensburg. It has two lakes--one for swimming and non-motorized
water sports; expanses of grass; trails for hiking, biking and
horseback
riding; as well as picnic and restroom facilities. Dogs are allowed
at
the upper lake and must be on a leash.
Dates
Year round.
Cost
Nothing - you just need transportation to get you to where the trails begin.
Contacts
None necessary
Comments
These are just some of the many hikes possible. Many family hikes are a short drive out of town. Check out the trail information books at the Ellensburg Public Library or ask at the US Forest Service office (Chamber of Commerce) for a list of trails.