Alfalfa Loop

Trail Overview

The off-road trail through the LT Murray Wildlife Area via Watt Canyon Road and Page Pasture Road offers a scenic and rewarding drive for those exploring with onX Off Road. The trail begins from Watt Canyon with a mix of firm gravel, scattered rocks, and occasional deep ruts, making it best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Page Pasture Road offers smoother gravel and grassy surfaces with gentle elevation changes and expansive views as you climb. Along the way, drivers can enjoy seasonal wildflowers like lupine, bitterroot, and paintbrush, especially from late May through June, and shaded stretches under towering ponderosa and fir trees. One of the highlights of this route is the LT Murray Elk Feeding Station, located just past the winter gate on Watt Canyon Road. From mid-December through May 1, visitors may witness daily feedings of 500 to 1,000 elk, often accompanied by bald or golden eagles overhead. Historic remnants, such as old cabin ruins surrounded by lilacs and chokecherry bushes, add a nostalgic touch to the route. Roads are gated during winter for wildlife protection but reopen each spring for public access. Whether you're after peaceful nature, dramatic wildlife encounters, or just a beautiful drive through Washington's backcountry, this route blends all three into a memorable trail experience. The LT Murray Wildlife Area sits on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where rolling basalt hills and glacially carved valleys define the rugged terrain. Formed by ancient lava flows and later shaped by Ice Age floods, the area's geology gives rise to its mix of rocky outcrops, fertile meadows, and dense forests. Historically, this land was home to the Yakama Nation and used seasonally for hunting and gathering. In the early 20th century, homesteaders settled in the region, and remnants of their cabins still dot the landscape. Today, the area is managed for wildlife conservation, strongly emphasizing elk habitat and public recreation.

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Difficulty

Trail difficulty varies by season. In late spring and summer, the roads are generally hard-packed but can be deeply rutted in places, requiring careful tire placement. During fall and early spring, expect muddy conditions and several small water crossings that can change rapidly with weather. In winter, the area is typically covered in deep snow, with slick slopes that make travel challenging or impassable without proper equipment and experience.

Technical Rating

Alfalfa Loop can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike