Columnar Crest

This trail is rocky and steep at times, and only strong climbers will be able to stay on their bikes the entire way up. It is a fast fun descent though, and the views are great on top. Mt Adams, Mt Rainier, and Mission Ridge are visible from this point. Nice wildflowers in April and May.
For extra geology credits, walk the open ridge line east, until you find an impressive outcrop of columnar basalt tumbling down the hillside near the fence. There is no trail after the high point, but the outcrop is easy to find.

Access Info

This trail takes you from the cowboy gate in the fence near the Ellensburg Blue Loop to a high point overlooking the Kittitas Valley. From the parking area, ride up the rutted dirt road, then immediately take a left on a faint dirt road. This will pass the entrance and exit of the Ellensburg Blue Loop on your right, and will turn back into the trail on the other side of the fence. If you don't want to mess with the cowboy gate, take the Ellensburg Blue Loop until into crosses the fence with a cattle guard, then hang an immediate left on a primitive trail, for a short steep climb to rejoin the other trail.

Disclaimer

Unofficial Trail. Watch for other users on descent.