McKenzie Ridge

Part of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR), McKenzie Ridge is a scenic, high-country forest road that climbs from the Tieton Basin into the sunlit ridges of the eastern Cascades, offering broad views and peaceful driving through mixed pine and fir forest. The route begins as a graded gravel road and gradually narrows into a winding mountain corridor with sections of loose rock, shallow ruts, and mild washouts that add light technical flavor without requiring advanced skill. Along the upper ridge, the terrain opens up to sweeping vistas of the Cascade foothills and the Yakima Valley, especially striking at sunrise or sunset when the hills glow gold. Although previously, established campsites did not exist along this road, several small clearings and spur roads provide quiet places to take in the view. While accessible to most high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions, McKenzie Ridge’s remote character and changing weather make it best suited for drivers prepared for variable mountain terrain. It’s a rewarding drive that captures the rugged beauty and solitude of Washington’s east-slope forests.