Old Ellensburg
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
Fire-scarred connector trail with unusual sandstone formations and eastside views toward the Central Washington plains.
About This Trail
Old Ellensburg Trail (#1373) forms one leg of the popular Mount Lillian loop, crossing from Haney Meadow southeast toward Grouse Springs through a fire-scarred landscape. The trail starts by crossing Naneum Creek and skirting the southwest edge of Haney Meadow, then drops through a low saddle to Howard Creek. From there, hikers can branch onto Howard Creek Trail to complete the Mount Lillian circuit or continue southeast on Old Ellensburg toward Grouse Springs.
The burned forest gives the trail an eerie, atmospheric quality. Charred snags stand against open sky, and oddly shaped sandstone formations emerge where tree cover once hid them. Views extend east across the Central Washington plains, a perspective most Cascade trails never offer. Wildflowers fill the meadow edges in early summer, and larch season in late October draws the few visitors who make the drive in.
Motorcycle and horse traffic have rutted much of the tread, and blowdowns from the burned timber are a recurring obstacle. The trail rewards those willing to tolerate rough footing with genuine solitude and unusual scenery.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Nice loop hike today, as I got up to Bentrim Hill, Mount Lillian, and Tronsen Ridge!”
Last report: Jun 20, 2023
Scorecard
Very few trip reports. Most hikers use this as one leg of the Mount Lillian loop rather than an out-and-back.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Extensive blowdowns from burned timber
- Motorcycle/horse ruts degrade tread
- Road access via FR 9712 is rough
- Hunting season (fall) - wear blaze orange
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Start from Ken Wilcox Horse Camp area via FR 9712. Road 9712 is rough and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Recent Reports
Nice loop hike today, as I got up to Bentrim Hill, Mount Lillian, and Tronsen Ridge! I got started at 8:05 am parking along NF road 7240 about 0.
I drove up FR 7240, . 8 miles north of Blewett Pass, to start this hike.
We started at Haney Meadow, went up to the views at Mount Lillian, and continued around the loop to the east, returning via the Old Ellensburg trail. This poor trail has been rutted by motorcycles and by runoff, and has quite a few burned tree corpses fallen across it -- but it still makes a lovely hike, with unusual views across the Central WA plains, odd sandstone formations, and the eerie, atmospheric scenery of a fire-ravaged forest.
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