This was a warm and sunny day in desolate country. Sage and bitterbrush abound. Took Umtanum Road west from Ellensburg, following south and up into Manastash Ridge via Shushuskin Canyon. Turned left (east) onto the Old Durr Road (see photo). Durr is dirt but OK for my little Honda for a ways. About 1.25 mi. after the turn onto Durr is a parking lot (see sign) for which a Discover WA permit is "required." I went a quarter mile further south, parked by the side of the road and set off cross-country to the SW. Walking was relatively easy; rocky with plenty of sage brush, some scattered wildflowers (it's before peak season at this time). Eventually made it to the knoll marked 2801' on my old USGS 15 min. quadrangle map ("Ellensburg").
The view into the Yakima River Canyon and out over the Kittitas Valley (with many wind mills in the far distance) was super.
DRAWBACK on this day: Saturday, and there were many people out shooting guns, which I found a bit unnerving. They parked along the Durr Road north of Umtanum Creek, very near to where I parked. I heard (and later saw) handguns, rifles, shotguns, and a machine gun (!). Approaching my car I called out and waved at two shooters to be sure they saw me before I passed behind their target mound. They immediately gave an "all cleared" holler back, but at that point I couldn't wait to get outta there! A positive note-- the guns scared out a coyote which I watched warily remove itself from the area.
Recommendation for next time: Take the trail from the Yakima River that goes over the footbridge and head west from there up Umtanum Creek.

Started on that steep trail that leads up that 2600ft. hill near the north entrance of the canyon. Only took 35 minutes to get to the top counting photo breaks. Views get better and better with every foot of elevation gained. Signed the register at the top of the hill and enjoyed the views.

But I wanted more, and fixed my eyes on the high hill with the communications towers on it to the east. That is the hill that is above I-82 to the SE of Ellensburg. I've been wanting to hike up that hill, and now was my chance! So on I went. I soon found myself walking on an old track next to a barb wired fence. When the fence crosses the track, you'll want to get to the other side of the fence and remain on the track. Then keep following the crest of the ridge all the way to the top! Great views along the entire route.

I did run into a rattlesnake on the trail. Almost walked over it but saw it just in time. It also saw me, and began to rattle and hiss. So of course I acted promptly by getting my camera out to take pictures. Then I simply walked around it, staying several feet away. Anyways, this is prime rattlesnake territory, so be prepared.

It was also VERY windy up there! And I mean constant fast wind that did not let up! So make sure to dress accordingly.

Our WOW (Women on Wednesdays) made our annual trip to hike Manastash Ridge to see the spring wildflowers. The flood that closed Cove Rd. has receded and the road is open. Access via Thorp Hwy off I 90 just west of the Ellensburg exit is open. The hills are lush with green and the arrow leaf balsamroot are in full bloom. It drizzled constantly but that only made the fresh smells more intense. In another week, more shrubs and flowers will bloom. Very muddy so sticks help. BetsyBell

Exit I-90 at #62 and follow road 54 for about 3 miles then head south on road 41 and follow for about 10 miles to road 4110. Follow for about another 10 miles to the trailhead for Blazed Creek #1333 on the left side of the road.
This area allows motorbikes on the trails so keep that in mind.
The trail climbs up to the ridgeline and passes through a logged out area before heading back into nice a nice tree'd pathway carved deep by the dirtbikes. Once on the ridgeline views open in a few spots offering views to North Ridge and down into the Greek Creek Basin.
At 3.4 miles meet the junction with the Manastash Ridge Trailand follow that south for another mile or so to the junction for the Mt Clifty Trail, 1321.1.
By this point snow was falling and the winds were picking up. I made my way to the summit and signed the summit register which was in a 3" PVC pipes covered with motor cross stickers. Views were limited with the snow in the air.
I returned the same way I went and returned to the trailhead in 5 hours from when I left.

Full set of photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bkraai/sets/72157622448830277/
Video can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az-mexWZVjI