ROSLYN HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Half‑Day Trail Ride into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Lodgepole Forests, Cedar Groves and Creek Crossings
A 3–4 hour backcountry horseback outing from Roslyn that threads Lodgepole and old Cedar stands to a scenic creekside lunch—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Half‑Day Trail Ride into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Lodgepole Forests, Cedar Groves and Creek Crossings.
Experience the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on a true backcountry horse ride: you’ll move through open Lodgepole forest, pockets of ancient Cedar groves, and cross serene creeks en route to a picturesque lunch spot, an outing suited to outdoor enthusiasts aged 10 and up.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Alpine Lakes Wilderness Scenery
The route winds through high‑country Lodgepole stands and quiet pockets of old Cedar, offering sustained backcountry scenery and a sense of remote forest travel.
Creek Crossings and a Scenic Lunch Spot
Riders cross several creeks and arrive at a picturesque lunchtime destination—an ideal midpoint to take in the surrounding backcountry before returning.
True Backcountry Riding for Confident Beginners and Up
The half‑day format delivers concentrated time in the backcountry—trail travel that balances exploration with manageable daily distance for riders aged 10 and older.
What the day feels like
What the Half‑Day Feels Like
Over roughly 3–4 hours in the saddle you’ll caravan from the meeting point to the trailhead and then ride through alternating stands of Lodgepole and ancient Cedar, negotiating creek crossings on the approach to a scenic lunchtime clearing—an immersive backcountry pace that emphasizes steady trail travel and landscape observation.
THE LANDSCAPE
Alpine Lakes Wilderness Scenery
The route winds through high‑country Lodgepole stands and quiet pockets of old Cedar, offering sustained backcountry scenery and a sense of remote forest travel.
THE ROUTE
Creek Crossings and a Scenic Lunch Spot
Riders cross several creeks and arrive at a picturesque lunchtime destination—an ideal midpoint to take in the surrounding backcountry before returning.
THE RIDE
True Backcountry Riding for Confident Beginners and Up
The half‑day format delivers concentrated time in the backcountry—trail travel that balances exploration with manageable daily distance for riders aged 10 and older.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this half‑day ride suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Layered, comfortable clothing; closed‑toed shoes; at least one quart (minimum) of water per person.
NW Forest Passes are required for parking; passes can be bought at the trailhead for $5 (cash or check).
The ride itself lasts roughly 3–4 hours; meeting and caravan time to the trailhead adds about 30–45 minutes at each end of the day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trail ride?
The ride is approximately 3–4 hours; note that meeting and caravan time to the trailhead typically adds about 30–45 minutes on each end.
Where do we meet before the ride?
Participants meet in Cle Elum, WA 98922; the group meets in a location with cell service and then caravans to the actual trailhead.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Riders must be at least 10 years old.
What should I bring on the ride?
Bring layered, comfortable clothing, closed‑toed shoes, and a minimum of one quart of water per person.
Are forest passes required?
Yes—NW Forest Passes are required for parking and can be purchased at the trailhead for $5 (cash or check).
What kind of terrain will we encounter?
The route travels through open Lodgepole forest, sections of old Cedar groves, and includes creek crossings en route to the lunch spot.