last Saturday i decided to head up to Wenas on my own just to see how things were looking up there. I started out at Ellensburg and went down the Umtanum Rd and headed north on Hanson road to try and get to the observitory. I came accross a group of 14 quads going south, they hadnt gone a whole lot further and turned around. Around 3000ft i started to get snowed on and there was about 2-3 inches of fresh snow on the ground. I got to a little past Mud Springs and decided to turn around because the road ahead was heavily rutted and i didnt want to get stuck alone with no trees to winch to. Up until the point i turned around the road was mostly large gravel/small rocks and good traction with minimal slipping or slop. I headed back down to Umtanum Rd and headed west. I hadnt realised how well developed this road was. I Turned east on N Wenas Rd then went up What Google Maps calls Game Depot Rd in an attempt to get up to the Umtanum Ridge Rd. A little ways up the road the gravel ends and the slime begins. At this point i may as well have installed racing slicks. The road was badly rutted and extreamly slick with thick sticky mud that clogged my tread instantly. As soon as i found a safe place to turn around i did. I could have pushed my way up but would have dug the ruts even deeper so i decided not to push it. i continued west on N Wenas Rd then attempted to get up on the Ridge again at Hessler Flat Rd. I ran into the same problem as before. The gravel stopped and so did my traction. I did not venture into the North Western portion But as long as gates are open i think we will have better luck up there. Unless things dry out a bit between now and the 9th i think it best to avoid attempting to take the Ridge Rd. I have a coupple pictures that i will try and get loaded tonight.

Craig, the only Green dot map of the Wenas area i could find was the last map on this page.

www.dnr.wa.gov/recreationeducation/pages/pubmaps.aspx

 Scott, i just had to satisfy the itch last weekend. it had been way too long since i had been offroad.

If it doesnt dry out then we will have to stick to the north west portion, and may be able to run the Durr i didnt get a chance to run it in its entierty. Below are a coupple pictures on my way up Hanson Rd. The last one is on my way home heading west on Hwy 12

Here is the GPX for the scouting i did the other day.

Have winch, will travel!!  We'll figure it out when we are there! 

 I'll be heading over friday afternoon and camping or staying in a hotel! 

I don't know yet Michael!  I wasn't planning on coming over until early evening!  I could change that!  Not having my truck this week and working on it has set me back on time a bit! 

The update is I have to replace the whole housing on the ARB which is supposed to arrive today!  Fingers crossed!  If it does I can finish it by tomorrow and be back in business! 

Craig, the National Forrests dont do green dot do they? you just have to go on their website to see which roads are open and which are not?. i have the green trails maps for the areas just west of wenas and LT Murry.

I may be able to meet up friday afternoon but not sure at this point. all depends on work.

The Cle Elum Ranger District trail maps show a handful of green dot roads on them (includingthe green dots), but suggest you contact the State management agencies to confirm the accuracies.

Craig

I've read some horror stories about rangers spewing tickets on cars parked at what everyone thought was a hiking trailhead on Mt. Baker. Tho there were no signs, the road was closed on the road management map that all vehicle operators are supposed to have while driving on the forest.

Craig, I know you are intimate with those guys, is this true on other forests or is it unique to Mt. Baker?

The route as planned will remain on the green dot roads within the DNR and Fish and Wildlife land. Here is the GPX for the route i have planned, expect changes enroute as usual. I would highly reccomend that every one has chains for their rig.

here it is again

Thx. That worked good.

Looks like a good route.  If possible, could we check out the road I marked in blue while we're out there?

Craig