Quartz Mountain Lookout - Map & Pictures

One of the highest points between the Yakama and Little Naches Rivers, Quartz Mountain has long been a popular drive-up peak. A popular campground was established just below the summit, which still exists today but is much smaller. Most vehicles can reach the top of Quartz Mountain so it gets visitors nearly every day until the first snow dumps. At one time, 2 different fire lookout towers were located at the summit. Quartz was first used in 1929 when the lookout was a platform tower and tent camp. This was replaced in 1933 with a 40 foot steel tower with 6'x6' cab. These were located just below the highest point, on the ridge west where the huge views are located. But in 1938, the steel tower was replaced with a new location to the east at the true summit in the trees. The new lookout was a 40 foot pole L-4 tower. It was removed in 1967. Today the forested area of the communications towers is where this second location was at. The map below shows where the towers were located.

Forest service roads come from both Cle Elum and Ellensburg but the simplest is from Ellensburg, exit 109. Just north on Canyon Road is Damman Road which gets you over the Yakama River. Then turn right on Manastash Road. Follow this road all the way to Manastash Campground where signs should lead the way to Quartz Mountain.