Hike with the Artist
Free Group Hike: Manastash Ridge
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What to Expect
Join Pacific Northwest artist Erin Oostra for free group hikes on Manastash Ridge in Ellensburg, Washington. These hikes are designed for people who love a challenge, want to get outside, and are excited to meet new people while exploring one of Ellensburg’s most iconic landscapes.
This is not a guided tour and not a beginner hike. Manastash Ridge is rugged, steep, and demanding. Routes will vary depending on weather, trail conditions, and group dynamics.
The goal is simple: move our bodies, enjoy the outdoors, build community, and have fun doing something hard together.
Before attending, please review current trail information and recent trip reports using trusted resources:
AllTrails – search “Manastash Ridge” for routes, elevation gain, and reviews
Washington Trails Association (WTA) – for recent trip reports and trail conditions
Hikes will occur several times per month. They will start on time. Click event details and keep scrolling for more info,
Upcoming Hikes
(Scroll through calandar to see upcoming dates + times)
About the Hike
Manastash Ridge sits just south of Ellensburg and offers expansive views, rugged terrain, and sustained elevation gain. These hikes are intentionally challenging and best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with steep climbs, uneven footing, and changing conditions.
Routes will vary from hike to hike. Distance, elevation gain, and duration are not fixed and may change at any time.
This is a group movement experience, not a race and not a formal outing.
NOTE: Microspikes are required during the winter months. Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw conditions are common on Manastash Ridge. Traction devices such as microspikes are essential for safety. If you do not have microspikes in winter conditions, you should not attend.
MEETING POINT: Manastash Ridge Trailhead | 7321 Cove Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
People looking for hikes in Ellensburg
This is a female-forward event (ages 20-65), though all people are invited
People wanting to meet others through outdoor activity
Those seeking consistent elevation gain and physical effort
Anyone wanting to train for longer or more demanding hikes
These hikes are especially good for people interested in building fitness and confidence for Erin’s upcoming California hiking trip.
Training for Erin’s California Trip
If you are considering joining Erin on her California trip in September 2026, these Manastash Ridge hikes are an excellent way to train. The steep climbs, sustained effort, and exposed terrain closely mirror the type of physical endurance required for that experience.
You can learn more about Erin’s travel offerings on her Travel Page, including details about the California trip and upcoming adventures.
Ellensburg Art Retreat Connection
Erin also hosts an Ellensburg Art Retreat, designed for creativity, rest, and connection. While very different in pace, both the retreat and the hikes share the same core values: community, presence, and being deeply connected to place.
Some people come for the hiking, some for the art, and some for both.
Who This Hike Is For
Important Safety & Liability Information
This is a free, informal group hike. By attending, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Erin Oostra is not a professional guide, outdoor instructor, or medical provider
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, and decisions
Participation is at your own risk
Erin Oostra is not liable for injuries, accidents, losses, or damages of any kind
Trail conditions, weather, wildlife, and terrain hazards are unpredictable
You are responsible for knowing your limits and turning back if needed
If you are injured or unprepared, this hike is not for you.
Do Your Own Research
Before attending, please review current trail information and recent trip reports using trusted resources:
AllTrails – search “Manastash Ridge” for routes, elevation gain, and reviews
Washington Trails Association (WTA) – for recent trip reports and trail conditions
No Emails or One-on-One Coordination
Because this is a free community hike, Erin is not available for individual emails, route planning questions, or hike-specific coordination. All participants are expected to do their own research and arrive prepared.
What to Bring
This list is not exhaustive. You are responsible for your own preparedness.
Water
Weather-appropriate layers
Proper hiking shoes or boots
Microspikes in winter months
Snacks or fuel
Sun and wind protection
Why Manastash Ridge
Manastash Ridge is a defining feature of the Ellensburg landscape. Its open ridgelines, dramatic climbs, and sweeping views reflect the raw beauty of Central Washington. It is demanding, humbling, and deeply rewarding.
These hikes are about showing up, pushing through discomfort, and connecting with both people and place.
