South Cle Elum Ridge - NF3350

South Cle Elum Ridge - NF3350 offers scenic and accessible driving for overlanders, beginners, and families seeking a scenic gateway into the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This 6.5-mile maintained gravel route serves as a crucial segment of a massive 60-mile north-south overland passage connecting Cle Elum and the Interstate 90 corridor to Nile along Highway 410. Traversing this gravel Forest Service road, the route winds through the scenic Taneum-Manastash ORV area, offering sweeping mountain vistas and dense evergreen canopies. With elevations ranging from approximately 2,111 feet to 4,011 feet, drivers will experience gentle climbs and descents, making it a perfect introduction to Pacific Northwest mountain driving without the stress of highly technical terrain. Rated as an easy level 1 route, the trail consists primarily of a well-graded gravel and dirt surface that is easily passable for any standard four-wheel-drive vehicle, high-clearance SUV, or SxS. While the nearby singletrack and motorized trails within the Taneum-Manastash ORV system are strictly seasonal—typically open from June 15 to October 15—this main Forest Service corridor is accessible much earlier, often clearing of snow by mid-May. Visitors can utilize this route to access a vast network of more challenging off-road spurs, dispersed camping spots, and nearby hiking trails, though high-elevation routes further west often remain snowbound deep into July. Whether used as a scenic shortcut or a baseline for a multi-day overland expedition, this reliable route provides a smooth journey through Washington’s rugged high country.