2. Packwood to Ellensburg
PACKWOOD TO ELLENSBURG – 134 MILES
This section begins with an unavoidable, yet scenic, long paved ride on Highway 12 over White Pass. After descending from the pass, the route turns right and meanders south of Rimrock Lake on mostly dirt roads before returning to Highway 12 and crossing over it. The climb up from the highway involves gravel, washboards, and switchbacks before reaching Bethel Ridge. The main route takes you to the town of Nile in the Naches River valley on easy gravel and paved roads. The optional harder section follows rutted and rocky roads near the crest of Bethel Ridge before getting to Nile. Look for views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from Bethel Ridge. From Nile, the route climbs up to the summit of Cleman Mountain. The optional route to the summit involves a steep road with loose rocks that can be quite challenging. Dropping off Cleman, you’ll be in Evans Canyon, which eventually leads to the Wenas Valley. The last stretch to Ellensburg has two options with an easy trip over Ellensburg Pass or a long, tough trip along the crest of Umtanum Ridge. The latter option has another steep loose rock climb that has been nicknamed Baby Head Hill. When you get to Ellensburg, you’ll find full services in the medium-sized college town.
2. Packwood to Ellensburg
PACKWOOD TO ELLENSBURG – 134 MILES
This section begins with an unavoidable, yet scenic, long paved ride on Highway 12 over White Pass. After descending from the pass, the route turns right and meanders south of Rimrock Lake on mostly dirt roads before returning to Highway 12 and crossing over it. The climb up from the highway involves gravel, washboards, and switchbacks before reaching Bethel Ridge. The main route takes you to the town of Nile in the Naches River valley on easy gravel and paved roads. The optional harder section follows rutted and rocky roads near the crest of Bethel Ridge before getting to Nile. Look for views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from Bethel Ridge. From Nile, the route climbs up to the summit of Cleman Mountain. The optional route to the summit involves a steep road with loose rocks that can be quite challenging. Dropping off Cleman, you’ll be in Evans Canyon, which eventually leads to the Wenas Valley. The last stretch to Ellensburg has two options with an easy trip over Ellensburg Pass or a long, tough trip along the crest of Umtanum Ridge. The latter option has another steep loose rock climb that has been nicknamed Baby Head Hill. When you get to Ellensburg, you’ll find full services in the medium-sized college town.
Baby Head Hill
Baby Head Hill One of the more difficult sections of the route, Baby Head Hill proves to be one of the more challenging locations for some riders to reach traveling on the WABDR. The remote location truly lives up to its namesake with round rocks virtually the size of baby heads. The small loose rocks line the route to this hilly spot, often making for a more interesting ride along the way. Plan to make a short stop just above the hill to take in the distant views, tall trees and the incredible scenery of the surrounding area before continuing on the road again.
Bethel Ridge Rocky Point
Bethel Ridge Rocky Point An easy spot for riders to reach that’s right on the route, Bethel Ridge Rocky Point is a great place to check out views from high above the Bethel Ridge cliffs. Featured in the WABDR documentary, a quick ride out to this barren spot, gives visitors the chance to see even more viewpoints along the cliffs. Take it slow and take some extra time to enjoy the expansive scenery from every angle along the drive. Check out the dramatic scenery and hilly terrain of this remote mountain site before heading to the next destination on the WABDR. Visit Website »
Cash Prairie Camp
Cash Prairie Camp For a fun side trip just off the WABDR, take a short two mile ride out to the group camp spot at the end of Cash Prairie Road (NF 199). The Cash Prairie Camp isn’t large and doesn’t have facilities, but it does have room for camping and picnics. Busiest during the summer and fall seasons, there’s no fee to enter but riders do need to pick up a free wilderness permit at one of the trailheads. A short walk out on the ridge gives you peekaboo views and the chance to spot some wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for some scenic viewpoints on the south side of the road as you ride out to the camp. Visit Website »
Clear Lake Falls
Clear Lake Falls Nf-740 Naches, WA, 98937, USA
Clear Lake North CG
Cleman Mtn 5115'
WABDR POI
Fish Creek Access & CG
Loose Rocks NF-1711
Nile - Food & Gas
Nile – Food & Gas For a gas station and mini-mart stocked with provisions in one stop, make time to take a pit stop in Nile. The Wood Shed Restaurant in Nile serves up easy favorites like burgers and barbeque, plus it’s just as simple to head next door for some quick snacks and fuel before getting back on the road (temporarily closed but hopefully will re-open soon). For those needing to stay for the night, there’s the option of camping or renting out one of the rustic cabins in Nile (one sleeps 2 on twin beds and one sleeps 4 on bunk beds). Whether just a short stop or the chance to rest for a while, the town’s a convenient choice for riders along the route. Visit Website »
Rimrock Lake Resort
Rimrock Lake Resort Open all year round, Rimrock Lake Resort is the place to stop for camping, picking up some food, or taking in some outdoor fun along the route. Just off Highway 12, the resort boasts more than two dozen campsites and furnished cabins for rent on the north shore. The site also offers nearby hiking trails, kayaks and fishing boats for rent, plus it’s simply a great spot to stop for a burger or some breakfast before getting back on the WABDR. Check out the nearby river rafting, grab some food and supplies for the road or just relax for a while with a stop at Rimrock Lake. Visit Website »
Rimrock Viewpoint
Umtanum Creek Falls TH
30693 N Wenas Rd Selah, WA, 98942, USA
Wenas Lake Store
Road
Wenas Wildlife Area - Close Gate
N Wenas Rd and Unpaved Road
White Pass - Food Gas Lodging
WABDR POI
WA2 - Packwood to Ellensburg
WA2 ALT Harder - Bethel Ridge
WA2 ALT Harder - Cleman Mtn
WA2 ALT Harder - Umtanum Ridge
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