Bethel Ridge Trail (#352)

Distance:
Running Time: Approx. 1 to 2 hours one way
Difficulty: Easy

The Bethel Ridge Trail is located to the north/northeast of Rimrock lake west of Yakima Washington. The trail tops out at over 6000 feet elevation and therefore is not passable in winter. On a good day the views from this trail are just spectacular. As with all trails, weather conditions can change the difficulty dramatically. In the wetter seasons this trail can become quite muddy. Two other trails of mention spur off of the Bethel Ridge Trail. The first if you are traveling from west to east is the 672 trail. Although not long or very difficult, this trail ends at an overlook that is worth the side trip.

The second trail is the 671 trail. This trail is labeled with a sign and is rated at most difficult for its steep loose hill climbs/descents. The 671 trail is about 1 mile long and ends at Bear Lake. Bring your fishing pole as there are lots of trout in Bear Lake.

On the east end of the trail we turned around in the Grouse Heaven area and headed back to try the 671 trail and check out Bear Lake. However the trail continues on although it appears to become more of a road than a trail at this point. You should be able to get into Yakima if you continue on eastward. We will investigate this at a later time.

Bethel Ridge is passable by just about any 4x4s and most SUVs and is suitable for larger rigs. It should be noted that when we visited in 2005 there were some larger mud holes in the trail that would rate at "More Difficult".

Getting there: Approximately 3 miles east of Rimrock Lake on Hwy. 12 turn north on Bethel Ridge Rd. The road is adjacent to the Hause Creek campground. After approximately 8.4 miles Bethel Ridge Rd. ends at an overlook. The trial starts from here and proceeds eastward. Not to far into the trail there will be a fork in the trail, stay to the right and follow the ridgeline. At the second fork in the road, the Bethel Trail is to the left and the 672 trail to an overlook is to the right. 

Topo Data File:    Rimrock.tpo

Printable Maps:   Bethel Ridge.jpg