Manastash Ridge Lookout Site

In 1942 a 2-story structure was built. Thanks to a DNR photo shoot in 1960 with the lookout Barbara Gerwig, we have excellent photos of this structure.

In 1962, a 40-foot wooden DNR tower was built by the department carpentry crew for roughly $8,000.

In 1970, the lookout was destroyed

Lookout Elevation: 3,930 feet
Hiking Distance: Drive-up
Elevation Gain: Drive-up
Access: Good tires, rough rocks on roadway
County: Kittitas

The site is now a UW Observatory building to study the stars. This building is fenced off. The lookout site was likely seriously leveled and disturbed to make enough room for the large observatory. I did not see any footings from outside the fence.

From Ellensburg, take the Umtanum Road. It turns into the North Wenas Road. Keep heading West until you come the Observatory Road. It is gated, but you can drive all the way to the top if open. The gate seasonal closure is from December 8 to May 1. The gate is just out of view from Wenas Road. A barbwire fence that you must open and close may be at the start, causing this road to be easily missed.

You also might be able to visit this site as a long hike from the town of Ellensburg on the Manastash Ridge Trail. See map below for the endpoint of the trail. Then just walk roads. A possible good off-season hike.