WABDR Section #2: Packwood to Ellensburg

  • Start: Packwood, WA

  • End: Ellensburg, WA

  • Distance: Approximately 128 miles

  • Time: 6–8 hours

  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate. This section features significant elevation changes and rocky "shelf" roads. Bethel Ridge is the technical highlight and can be challenging for heavy bikes in wet or windy conditions.

Forecast: ELLENSBURG

Warning: Bethel Ridge can be extremely windy. Check the forecast for gusts.

Highlights

  • Bethel Ridge: 46.7628, -121.0914. One of the highest points on the entire WABDR. The "shelf road" along the ridge offers spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the Rimrock Lake area.

  • Mt. Rainier Vistas: Throughout the first half of this section, Mt. Rainier dominates the horizon to the west.

  • Naches River Valley: The route drops down from the high ridges into the Naches River drainage, transitioning from pine forests to open basalt cliffs and sagebrush.

  • Umtanum Ridge: 46.8456, -120.6558. As you approach Ellensburg, the terrain opens up into massive, rolling shrub-steppe hills. The descent into the Wenas Valley offers wide-open views of the Kittitas Valley and the windmills in the distance.

Gas & Refueling

  • Recommended Minimum Range: 130 miles.

  • Primary Fuel: Refill in Packwood and Ellensburg.

  • Mid-Route Fuel (Whistlin' Jack Lodge): Located on Hwy 410 near the Naches River. This is a critical stop for riders with smaller tanks.

    • Station: Whistlin' Jack Lodge: (509) 658-2433. 14 Mile round trip detour on WA-410.

    • Note: This is also an excellent spot for a hot lunch or a break by the river.

Where to Stay

  • Mid-Route (Naches/Hwy 410):

    • Lodging: Whistlin' Jack Lodge offers riverside cabins and lodge rooms—highly popular with BDR riders.

    • Camping: Numerous USFS campgrounds line Hwy 410, such as Hause Creek or Sawmill Flat.

  • Ellensburg (End):

    • Hotels: Hotel Windrow (Upscale/Downtown), Best Western Plus, or various budget motels near I-90.

    • Camping:

      • Yakima River Canyon (15 mins south) offers beautiful BLM campsites right on the river.

      • Ellensburg KOA is a popular option and the closest campsite to town.

Pro-Tip for Section 2

Keep an eye on the wind. Bethel Ridge is very exposed; if high winds are forecasted, the ridge can be a handful for tall adventure bikes. Additionally, the final descent into Ellensburg through the Wenas area can be very dusty and hot in mid-August—start this section early to beat the heat of the Yakima valley!

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