Navigation, offline maps, and more on the free Roam app.
Get the AppTripod Flats
No elevation data available
Description
Tripod Flats is an engaging off-road trail located in Washington state, primarily accessed from the Manastash Ridge area. This route is known for its tight and technical sections, demanding careful driving and suitable for 4x4 vehicles. You'll navigate down towards Shoestring Lake before reaching Tripod Flats itself. Key features include a challenging lava-rock field with loose rocks and ledges that can be up to two feet high, narrow passages that might require multi-point turns, and some overgrown areas where pinstriping is possible from contact with vegetation or standing dead trees. The trail meanders through forested areas, eventually opening up to Tripod Flats, a clearing notable for the remains of an old cabin and a campfire spot. It's a rewarding trail for experienced 4x4 drivers looking for a bit of a challenge and scenic overlooks. Be prepared for potential contact with roots and rocks under your vehicle, so good ground clearance and underbody protection are recommended. The journey also offers access to nearby features like Funny Rocks and Moon Rocks for further exploration.
Directions
The Tripod Flats trail typically starts from the Manastash Ridge area in Washington. From there, the route descends towards Shoestring Lake and continues onward to the Tripod Flats clearing. While specific Forest Service road numbers for the trail itself are not clearly identified from available sources, general access to the region might involve WA-410 and nearby Forest Service roads. It's highly recommended to use detailed local off-road maps or GPS tracks to locate the precise start of the Tripod Flats trail from Manastash Ridge, as signage may be limited.
Difficulty
This trail is considered moderately difficult and is best suited for 4x4 vehicles with good ground clearance and ideally some underbody protection. You'll encounter tight and technical driving conditions, including narrow sections where careful maneuvering is essential to avoid contact with trees, which could cause body damage or pinstriping. A significant challenge is a lava-rock field featuring loose rocks and ledges that can be up to two feet tall. Some areas are narrow enough that they may require multi-point turns, especially for longer wheelbase vehicles. There's also a risk of undercarriage contact with obstacles like roots and rocks. This trail is not recommended for stock vehicles without prior off-road experience or for drivers uncomfortable with narrow, technical terrain.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
The text and geometry of this object available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license