Wenas Creek Road

Wenas Creek Road cuts through the rugged backcountry of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, following an old mining track that climbs from sagebrush flats to oak-studded ridgelines overlooking the Yakima Valley. This 15-mile route starts deceptively easy but turns serious at the Wenas Creek crossing, where seasonal flows create a technical ford that’s claimed more than a few rigs. Beyond the creek, the trail climbs steeply through loose shale and exposed rock faces, with several narrow shelf roads that demand precise wheel placement and steady nerves.

This trail requires serious 4WD capability — stock trucks with aggressive tires minimum, recovery gear mandatory. Spring runoff makes the creek crossing dangerous; late summer and fall offer the safest passage. No permits required, but respect the wildlife area boundaries and seasonal hunting closures. Cell service is sporadic at best, and the nearest fuel is 30 miles back in Selah. The reward is worth the challenge: sweeping views across central Washington’s high desert, excellent wildlife viewing, and primitive camping spots that feel genuinely remote.