Length
Elevation Gain
Observatory Road on Manastash Ridge is a popular year-round hike. In winter, it's a great snowshoe option, and in summer it offers spectacular views into the central Cascade range.
From Wenas Road, you'll see that Observatory Road is marked private property. Fortunately a sign allows hikers to use the road to access the public land. Please respect this note and stay on the road and trail as you hike.
The trail follows Observatory Road, offering a gentle grade and giant views. Because it's part of the multi-use section of Manastash Ridge, you can expect to see motorized users, mountain bikers, and horses, but if you go mid-week you might have it to yourself.
Climb through sagebrush and old pine trees until just below the observatory, where you start seeing more firs. Look farther, and you'll see craggy mountain ranges bordering the Kittitas Valley.
On a clear day, hikers can see Mounts Stuart and Rainier, the Goat Rocks and other east side Cascade peaks.
Trailhead
