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Striking scenic vistas of the vast arid shrub-steppe portion of Central and Eastern Washington


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Map Key

6.3

Miles

10.1

KM

Lollipop

2,927' 892 m

High

1,849' 564 m

Low

1,090' 332 m

Up

1,089' 332 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This tour is comprised of double and singletrack trails over volcanic and sandy St Helen's ash soil. The initial climb is a longer grind, but keep your pace down and you'll soon be rewarded with fantastic views of the volcanic ranges and agricultural valleys of Central Washington.

Need to Know

100% sun exposure with very little shade from any of the shrubs, so be sure to pack sunscreen, hat, and also gloves - it can get windy up top!

Description

This route starts at the Rocky Top TH and meanders up Doubletrack and Cowiche Mountain East Bench trails, leading to the Cowiche Mountain's broad east ridge.

Once on top, the 360-degree views are spectacular. Follow the ridge west toward the summit of Cowiche Mountain and get a unique view into West Valley, Yakima, Union Gap, Tieton, Naches and Selah valleys - as well as the beautiful Cowiche Canyon.

From the summit, retrace your steps back along the ridge but then descend the alternating smooth/rocky singletrack switchback trail Upper TNT on the north side for a fast, fun descent. Connect back over to the initial climb/doubletrack trail via Hey Hey Hey Huh and then cross over Doubletrack and connect the eastern trails (Green Harvester) for more smooth singletrack exploration. All trails in this lower half lead back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Rattlesnakes, low shrubs and wildflowers.

History & Background

This area is owned by Ron Anderson, owner of the Anderson Rock & Demolition pits off of Rocky Top Road. His generosity allowed public-use of miles of scenic multi-use trails to the public. More detail here.

Shared By:

BJ Marraccini

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#1

in Rocky Top

#3341

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Rocky Top

#178

in Washington

#3,341

Overall
6 Views Last Month
2,110 Since Jun 15, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Time moves on without the orange harvester.
Nov 28, 2016 near Gleed, WA
Looking north towards Naches and Cleman Mountain.
Jun 15, 2015 near Tieton, WA
Walk and Roll!!
Oct 16, 2016 near Gleed, WA
Wildflowers bloom along Green Harvester.
Apr 5, 2017 near Gleed, WA
Ran into this guy in September. No rattle, just hissed. 2 weeks later a rattler waved its tail at me not far from this location.
Dec 16, 2017 near Tieton, WA
The lower portions of the descent (or ascent, your choice) located east of the main doubletrack are comprosed of silky smooth singletrack.
Jun 15, 2015 near Gleed, WA

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