Manastash Ridge

Manastash Ridge is a long, rugged traverse across a basalt plateau south of Ellensburg that delivers some of the best mountain views in Central Washington. The full route runs nearly 17 miles one-way from Quartz Mountain to Blowout Mountain, gaining over 4,600 feet of cumulative elevation along the way. Mount Clifty at mile 7 marks the high point at 6,245 feet, where the Little Naches River valley drops away to the south and Mount Rainier fills the western sky. Mount Stuart stands out clearly to the northeast.

The ridge sits at the meeting point of east-side forests and alpine terrain. Douglas fir, larch, mountain hemlock, and Engelmann spruce form the canopy, opening into meadows thick with arnica, lupine, paintbrush, and buckwheat during peak season. The Wildcat Trail approach is particularly noted for wildflower variety. Expect rocky, gravelly footing throughout, with some sections shared with motorbike traffic. There are "most difficult" and "easy" route variants around Mount Clifty, though neither option is casual.

Water is nonexistent on the ridge itself, so carry everything you need. The Quartz Mountain trailhead fits only 2-3 vehicles at the summit and requires a long gravel road approach. A Northwest Forest Pass is needed. Early season hikers can access the southwest side while the north face holds snow well into June. This is a trail that rewards committed hikers willing to cover ground for sustained, honest views rather than a single postcard viewpoint.