E-burg to Funny/Moon Rocks

[tobyw]

Going to take a bit of a road trip in the YJ this wknd - driving it to work (in Moses Lake ) tomorrow morning, then heading over to the Kittitas area for a night of camping and exploring a buddies hunting area. On the way home Saturday morning, I want to make a detour off the highway and run from E-burg up and over the top back down to Naches... Now, according to the maps I've seen, it's pretty simple: 4W307 (Tripod Flats Trail) takes you from the main gravel road out of E-burg up to the top of the ridge, where you appear to be able to connect with 4W694 (Funny Rocks) and/or 4W695 (Moon Rocks). Once on top there, I know my way down to Hwy 410, but it's the North side of the ridge I have no experience with... Is Tripod a good trail choice for a quick, yet scenic, trip up and over? I have heard rumor that it's poorly marked - anyone have tips or GPS coords for a fail-proof route? You all know my rig and I are adequately prepared , but it's the timeline I'm interested in the most, as my kitchen pass expires early Saturday afternoon

[mtnbound]

Northwest Jeepn has good maps snd GPS files

http://www.nwjeepn.com/Tripod.htm

[SPR]

Toby, It has been awhile since I have gone that route from Rider's Camp (Manashtash). I recall that the trail head was well marked. The trail was pretty easy up to Tri-Pod and down to Milk Lake.

[benw]

I wouldn't call the tripod route quick.

Quicker would be the Barber Springs route. More FS road, less trail but still scenic. You'd get the nice view of manastash lake.

[tobyw]

I don't see Barber Springs listed on my map (sourced from NWJeepin.com)? Any info on this? And how long would you guestimate the Tripod trail would take this time of year?

[benw]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/cle-e ... west-9.pdf

Right in the middle of that map is Barber Springs Rd. It connects Manastash road (3100) to Bald Mountain Road (1701). For a quick trip, I'd skip the first part of 694. You can get on it where you see the short trail section near the #696. Probably about an hour to the Funny Rocks or less.

I'd say probably 3 hours to run Tripod to Funny Rocks at a normal pace.

I think 694 will be more scenic, you are running along the top of Manastash ridge most of the way. Tripod you are deep in the woods, not much view.

If it were me, my route would be Manastash Rd, Barber Springs, 694 via 2nd creek, 644 to Bald Mt, 530, 1701, 1720, 1702, hwy 410, home.

[tobyw]

Thanks for the info, this is exactly what I was after!