Ridge Road

Immediately off of North Wenas Road is the start of Game Department Road, just outside of the town of Wenas, Washington. The trail starts with a few bumps early on, but nothing severe. There is a gate about two-thirds of a mile in. It’s just like the gates on Newlands Road; just close them once you’re through. The gates tend to swing, so, it may take an additional hand in closing them. In the later part of the trails, there may be a few ruts to watch out for, so don't go too fast. The trees will begin to disappear as well, though the occasional lone tree and wooded patch exist. After about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, the trail more or less levels out and continues straight along Ridge Road. Though the elevation changes on the ridge are minimal, the gentle climbs reveal the road ahead at the crest and hide the trail once more after dipping back down. A few trees reappear at the end of the trail. The land here is dry, and mostly barren, with few trees, but plenty of brush. It seems almost desert, and while it is actually common for Washington east of the Cascades, it is a far cry from the typically assumed dense forests of the state. The trail ends and continues on as Umtanum Ridge Road. This trail is part of the Washington Cascade Overland Route. Visit Overlanding Across Washington for more information, including which trails to take next.