Hiked on a Sunday, and a nice choice as it was raining everywhere west of the mountains. We went up the steeper trail (through the gate) and down the gentler grade (as noted in trail description.) The steep way was indeed.... steep! A fun challenge going up, but going down might be miserable with the loose gravel.
Trail is unmarked, just look for trail and metal gate. Trail was in good condition, we didn’t have poles coming down but I can see how it would be helpful as the dirt/ground is loose.
Best views of the horseshoe river are about 2/3 way up.
A bit too cloudy to see Rainier and big mountain ranges, but views of valley and river were gorgeous. Would be pretty at sunrise or sunset!
Brisk at top, especially if windy.
A few wildflowers!
Free parking on the road across from trail, before the campground (if coming from ellensburg), or $5 in lot.
Going the shorter way up, and longer way back, my GPS watch tracked 4.2 miles round trip and just over 1900’ gain. A good winter conditioner and lovely change of scenery from hikes west of the mountains.
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