Trip
Day Hike - Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail
Early Season Conditioning Hike. Open to all Mountaineers members! Near Ellensburg, a desert hike leading out of the Yakima Canyon and along Manastash Ridge, offering grand views of the Kittitas Valley and Stuart Range
- Sat, Jan 23, 2016
- Foothills Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults, 20-30 Somethings
- Moderate/Strenuous
- Moderate
- Mileage: 7.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,750 ft
- 8 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
9:30am, Ellensburg Conoco/Flying J parking lot, Exit 109 Canyon Road.
This is NOT Rattlesnake Ridge near North Bend! This desert hike is out near Ellensburg, but well worth the drive. The trail steeply climbs out of the Yakima Canyon to a viewpoint on Manastash Ridge, then onward to a high point on the ridge above I-82. Excellent views along almost the entire hike of the Ellensburg area and Mt. Stuart in one direction and the Yakima Canyon in the other! Don't worry, no rattlesnakes in the winter. Last time I led this hike, we did see a large herd of deer. Eagles are also a common sight.
Trip report from last year: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2015-02-08.9054210846
Expect a decent amount of snow on the trail. It will likely look similar to this
Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail
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WA DNR Yakima
USGS Ellensburg South
USGS Kittitas - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
The usual, plus:
Warm clothes and jackets, gloves
Recommended: Microspikes or other traction, poles, snow gaiters