There were no other cars in the White's Ridge lot at 6 a.m., and it was a surprising 20 degrees cooler than in Yakima (59 @ the TH!). The trail is a loop—just under 10 miles according to my GPS and various other sources—and I went clockwise, turning left after crossing the road from the lot. Though the surface was initially loose dirt/dust due to some light equestrian traffic, it improved quickly.
The route winds slowly up the south side of the ridge through bright green meadows and thick stands of pine. There were a few sets of short switchbacks, but I was surprised by their gentleness. Though the trail crosses several forest roads, the crossings are clear (many are marked with warning signs or White's Ridge trail signs) and not confusing. I startled several groups of elk and birds were plentiful.
Toward the east end of the loop, the switchbacks lengthen and take you across to the opposite side of the ridge. Through this stretch there were some robust stands of purple flowers (lupine?!), which were almost at their peak, and a few small stands of paintbrush that were just beginning to bloom. It appeared as though some maintenance had been recently completed here, as this was the cleanest, widest section.
The trail crosses a 4x4 road near the high point, then turns east-ish and winds down the north side of the ridge. There were a few brief and basic views of the valley (none on the south side), but they were not expansive. The surface on this side was slightly rockier and steeper in a few spots (though not difficult by any stretch) but in great condition with only some very minor/recent blowdown. The last two or so miles to close the loop were much dryer, dustier, and rockier than the first two on the way up.
This was my first time in the Ahtanum State Forest, and I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness of the forest and vegetation, as well as the excellent condition of the trail, facilities, and overall atmosphere.
NOTE: I anticipated having trouble finding the TH due to several earlier reports, but the lot and trail are well marked and easy to find (though the coordinates on the WTA site are indeed wrong). Continue driving past the Ahtanum Meadows Campground on the left, Ahtanum Guard Station on the right, and up a small grade. Lot is on the left and TH is right next to it (just south of the entrance).
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