Hike up a sheltered canyon along the Q-line turbines. Bluebirds, deer, elk, jack rabbits, and coyotes also seek shelter here, and in the spring the dry creek bed will be teeming with life.
Big Sage grows in the deeper soil here, and a variety of wildflowers make an appearance each spring. Bluebird nesting boxes have been set up along the trail for our local bluebirds. Please respect their privacy during the spring!
You can do this hike by itself or in conjunction with the Bitterroot Trail, which begins at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility Renewable Energy Center (REC). To begin at the bottom of the canyon, park at the lower parking lot, just below the Q-line turbines, after checking in at the REC.
From here, cross the road and begin up the canyon. The trail soon crosses the canyon floor and skirts the hillside. After a mile, the trail takes a sharp left turn and climbs out of the canyon to the roadway from here.
If you plan on hiking back to the REC, climb the hill and pick up the Bitterroot trail on the other side of the road.
Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area - Bluebird Trail
46.9607,
-120.0944
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 315 feet
Hike up a sheltered canyon along the Q-line turbines. Bluebirds, deer, elk, jack rabbits, and coyotes also seek shelter here, and in the spring the dry creek bed will be teeming with life.
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Hiking Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area - Bluebird Trail
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Please note that this area may be closed seasonally in winter/spring to protect wintering elk herds.
WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
Drive east on Interstate 90 to exit 115 for Kittitas and head north over the freeway. Follow Parke Creek Road and Vantage Hwy to Beacon Ridge Road. Turn left onto Cleman Rd/Main Street and follow Main Street for just under a mile. Turn right onto Railroad Avenue and continue onto Clark St. Turn right onto Parke Creek Road, then turn right onto Vantage Highway. Turn left onto Beacon Ridge Road, and the trailhead is on the left.
Note: Lands within the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility are open to hunting, hiking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding and other recreational activities by written permission only. The entry gate off of the Vantage Highway is open April 1 to Nov. 30, from two hours before sunrise to two hours after sunset.
To get permission to walk the grounds, complete the free online application form then pick up your permit at the Renewable Energy Center from 9:00-5:30, seven days a week. You can also fill out the entire permit in person at the Renewable Energy Center. The free permit is valid from April through November of that year.
