KUOW Hike of the Week: Desert-Wind Farm Or Ski

Lenticular clouds and wind turbines- surreal? @ Alan Bauer

Updated 2-19-2013

This road is gated for February and March offers plenty of sun and views of the wind turbines, clouds, and Columbia River. Thanks to Alan Bauer Dennis Long for photos.
Check out Green Trails Maps for directions. 207 S for the Pass if you ski. Click here for complete list of maps. 

Hike is road walk and is now gated @ Dennis Long

Sage and wind turbines @ Michael Fagin

View from top of ridge of Columbia River @ Michael Fagin

Catus blooms end of April or early May @ Alan Bauer

Come back in May and you will see flowers @ Alan Bauer

Driving Directions: From Seattle take I-90 east and take exit 115.From exit 115. and off I-90 at Kittitas, go north over freeway. At 1.2 miles turn right at the stop sign. Veer to the left soon after onto County Road 81, and continue 1.2 miles total from the stop sign (2.4 miles from I-90) then turn right onto the Vantage Highway (SR 14). After 10.4 miles on the Vantage Highway pass the turn access to the Wild Horse Windfarm where you can go up to the visitor center after march 31st yearly. 1.8 miles past the entrance to the PSE wind farm (12.2 miles total from County Road 81) find the first access to the Quilomene Wildlife Area. Park here, Discover Pass required (Dept. of Fish and Wildlife lands here).
Stats: Out route was 3.7 miles one way with about 600 foot gain.

Route

Check out Nordic Center at Snoqualmie Pass for directions. Lots of new snow this Friday and Saturday. Click here for maps and details.