Trail Overview
Parke Creek Road is a 5.3-mile point-to-point trail beginning in the Kittitas Valley and ascending to an intersection with Beacon Ridge Road just beyond a gate. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for access. The gate may be legally passed through; please leave it as you found it (open or closed). A large parking lot near the trailhead accommodates trailers. Beyond the fence line, the trail surface transitions to dirt with several rutted sections that become soft mud up to a foot deep during wet seasons. Continuing upward, the route features a couple of small creek crossings and additional heavily rutted sections. At mile 4.4, the trail makes a sharp right turn and climbs toward the intersection with Beacon Ridge Road. This final section features shelf road characteristics for several hundred yards with large, loose rock. Please note that this trail accesses an area managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Once within the managed area, motorized vehicle use is restricted to roads marked with green dots only. Parke Creek Road is accessible year-round.
Difficulty
Parke Creek Road features deep ruts that become soft mud up to a foot deep in wet conditions. Small creek crossings and a final shelf road section with large, loose rock require careful navigation. 2WD vehicles will struggle, particularly when wet. 4WD, high clearance, and aggressive tires are recommended. Weather conditions can significantly affect trail difficulty. Bring a chainsaw for clearing windfall.
