Wenatchee National Forest Teanaway Ridge Road

The Teanaway Ridge Road climbs from the Cle Elum River valley onto a knife-edge ridgeline offering 360-degree views of Mount Stuart, the Enchantments, and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This old mining and fire access road features narrow shelf sections with thousand-foot drop-offs, loose shale surfaces, and steep grades that challenge traction control. The route passes abandoned prospect holes from the 1890s gold rush and connects to the 29 Pines Campground near the Esmeralda Basin trailhead.

Difficult route requiring experienced drivers in capable 4WD vehicles with low range and good ground clearance. The exposed ridge sections can be treacherous in wind or weather—turn back if conditions deteriorate. Best season is July through September when snow clears the high country. No services or water along the route; start with full tanks in Cle Elum. The payoff is some of Washington’s most spectacular high country scenery and access to world-class hiking in the Stuart Range wilderness.