At the south end of Ellensburg, off Main Street which becomes Canyon Road, look for Umptanum Road to the right. It quickly passes under I-90, then starts to work south. After several miles, look for the Old Durr Road intersection. Go left on Old Durr Road and follow as shown on map below to picture points A & B above Umtanum Creek. Follow the map and your instinct to reach the radio towers on the eastern summit. Continue on roads working west for several miles in open country to the highpoint, Rattler Benchmark. You should be able to drive close with only a short hike (if any) to the summit. Regular cars may need to park as far back as the Umtanum Creek crossing.

Distance: 1/2 mile to 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 50 feet to 2,500 feet
Summit Elevation: 4,224 feet
Access: 4WD Needed or walk

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One of the high ridges between Ellensburg and Yakama is Umtanum Ridge. The highest point on the ridge is marked with a benchmark called Rattler. The hike or drive makes for a good alternative to the typical terrain seen on the west side. Many trip reports talking about hiking Umtanum Ridge access the ridge from a different location to the east in the Yakama Canyon on State Route 821. This would be a more sporty hiking start but it is a long way to the true highpoint from that trailhead. Spring is a great time to go as the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area is one of the best wildflower areas.

Washington Climbing

Pic B on map looking west, Durr road drops into this canyon with a river ford of Umtanum Creek required in spring

That's the summit in the distance from the communication towers. This 4X4 road travels the ridge crest all the way to the summit

View out to Ellensburg

Looking south

Looking east, Untanum Ridge

Looking NW

Umtanum Ridge

Picture A on the map looking south up the Durr Road to the radio towers

Pic C on map looking up to the radio towers

Looking east from near Rattler Benchmark, you can see the radio towers in the distance