Reecer Creek Road

Reecer Creek Road heads north (with a few westerly jogs) across the broad slope above Ellensburg. When it hits the hills, it becomes Forest Road 35(00) and continues as a single lane paved road all the way up to Table Mountain.

Ellensburg is near 1500', the National Forest begins about 3000', and the pavement ends somewhere above 5600', which makes for quite a climb. Two bicyclists were working their way up the hill as I drove up  -- looked like a lot of work. I was glad to be in the car.

The upper section passes through the burn from the 2012 Table Mountain Fire. The landscape was still pretty stark, although there had been enough time for small trees to get started. It was amazing to me to see that there was a small enclave of homes near the top. Crazy place for residential construction - and it sure must complicate the fire management equation. Next thing you know people will be building homes on eroding cliffs in California and barrier islands on the Gulf Coast ...