Raven's Roost
Elevation: 6,200 feet

Raven's Roost is pretty easy to get to from either the Greenwater riding area or from the Yakima side. If you take the most common routes to this popular destination, you will find the trails are groomed all the way up to the top. This is actually pretty cool since it provides a safe and easy opportunity for all levels of riders, including families with kids, to go somewhere high up in the mountains and take in those spectacular views. Not many places with such a great view are this easy to get to!

Speaking of views, the best place to snap your photos is up the ungroomed spur road to the left just as you approach the top of Raven's Roost. A quarter mile on this spur and it opens into a wide spot overlooking the Norse Peak Wilderness Area. Off in the distance, on the other side of Cougar Valley, are the Fifes Peaks and Fifes Ridge.

Getting There From Greenwater

Leaving the Pyramid Peak Sno-Park, take whatever trail you are most comfortable with to the 19 road (any of the direct/groomed routes from this sno-park to the intersection of 19 and 1914 is about 11 miles - plus or minus a 1/2 mile). Once you get to the 19/1914 intersection, continue east on the 19 road for another 6 miles. You will pass Timothy Meadow on your left about half way down this stretch and then Mathew Meadow on your right just before the 1906 turn-off. At the 1906 road, make a right for about 3 miles to 1961 where you will veer left for another 4.5 miles. At the Huckleberry Forest Camp, turn right for the final 2 miles to the top.

Total distance: ~27 miles each way

Rider Ability: This is a very easy, comfortable ride with no difficult terrain or slopes to navigate using the groomed trail systems.

Getting There From Yakima

Riding to Raven's Roost from the Yakima side can take shape in a number of ways. If you wanted to spend more time in the car than on the trail, you could drive up Hwy 410 to the 19 road. Crow Creek Sno-Park is two and a half miles up the 19. From here you could unload and ride the 1902 for about 11 miles to Huckleberry Forest Camp. Stay left for the final 2 miles to the top.

Total distance: 13 miles each way

Rider Ability: Very easy, pretty short.

Another way would be to drive up another mile from the Crow Creek Sno-Park to the Little Naches Sno-Park. Unloading here, you'd continue up the 19 road for 5 miles to 1906. At the 1906 road, make a left for about 3 miles to 1961 where you will veer left for another 4.5 miles. At the Huckleberry Forest Camp, turn right for the final 2 miles to the top.

Total distance: 15 miles each way

Rider Ability: Still easy, still short.

So you want to extend your visit for a few more miles? You could always venture into the Greenwater area and ride as long as your fuel tank allows. Or if you're wanting a more adventurous experience, you might consider starting out at Whistlin' Jacks Lodge on Hwy 410 just outside of Cliffdell and make your way to Raven's Roost from there. Be aware that some parts of this route can be tricky due to weather and ungroomed trail conditions (like Ice Hill).

The distance we're talking here from WJL to the Little Naches Sno-Park via the trail system is about 15 miles one way. So you could make this WJL-to-RR outing a 60 mile round-trip providing you don't miss a turn or get lost somewhere along the way.

Area Maps

Mapped routes to Raven's Roost can be found in our Greenwater riding area map. If starting from WJL is of interest to you, then you will also need Yakima North.

Back to Index of Popular Destinations