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Cle Elum Ridge, North Ridge & Mount Clifty

Moderate ridge rambles from 10-15 miles and 1,200-2,500 feet of elevation of gain. They can be accessed from several points, including Taneum Creek, Forest Road 4510 south of Cle Elum or Forest Road 4517 west of Cle Elum. Summits include Mount Clifty, North Ridge, and Dried Tear.

Getting There

North Ridge Trailhead

Drive to the end of Forest Road 4517 that is west of Cle Elum and travels south along a ridgeline.

Cle Elum Ridge Trailheads

The trail can be accessed at various points along Forest Road 4510, which climbs the ridge visible to the south of Cle Elum.

On the Trail

North Ridge Trail

It's 13-14 miles round trip with 2,900 feet of  elevation gain to the North Ridge Lookout. At 4.6 miles is an intersection with the Little Creek Basin Trail. At 5.7 miles is  a junction with the Greek Creek Trail. The North Ridge Trail continues uphill to the ridge crest before continuing south/southwest along the ridge, eventually  connecting with the Cle Elum Ridge and Mount Clifty Trails at ~8.5 miles.

Cle Elum Ridge

Starting near Dried Tear Butte, an out and back hike to Mount Clifty is 10-12 miles, depending on the exact route. Forest Road 4510 reaches about 5,000 ft in places so the elevation gain to Mount Clifty is only 1,200 feet.

Mount Clifty

From North Ridge trail to the north or Cle Elum Ridge to the east, the Mount Clifty Trail follows the ridgeline of Mount Clifty, and connects with the Manastash Ridge Trail on the south side of Mount Clifty.  From Cle Elum Ridge, the Mount Clifty Trail is only 2 miles in length and gains about 600 feet to the 6,200 ft summit. In early season snow patches may linger along the trail.

Notes

  • These trails are in motorcycle and mountain bike country so best done during the week.
  • Best time of year is June or in the fall.
  • Dry side of the Cascades, so water sources are limited.
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous, Moderate
  • Length: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • 6,200 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Cle Elum No. 241
  • Green Trails Easton No. 240
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • North Ridge
  • Cle Elum Ridge
  • Mount Clifty
  • Mount Clifty via Cle Elum Ridge
  • Mount Clifty via North Ridge
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