The Teanaway is the river valley north of Cle Elum, reached from I-90 exit 85. Much of it is the 50,241-acre Teanaway Community Forest, owned by the state, and the road ends lead into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with trailheads for Lake Ingalls, Esmeralda Basin and Navaho Pass.
Getting to the Teanaway
From I-90, take exit 85 (Cle Elum) and head east on Highway 970. Turn onto Teanaway Road, then follow the North Fork, Middle Fork or West Fork Teanaway roads to campgrounds and trailheads. The North Fork Teanaway Road turns to gravel (Forest Road 9737) past 29 Pines Campground.
Teanaway hikes
Our hiking list has 24 Teanaway trailheads along the North, Middle and West Forks. These have full trail guides:
- Lake Ingalls: 9 miles round trip to an alpine lake under Mount Stuart (no dogs)
- Esmeralda Basin: 7 miles round trip through wildflower meadows (dogs OK)
- Navaho Pass and Navaho Peak: 11 miles round trip from Stafford Creek
For every trailhead in the valley, see the Teanaway section of our hiking list.
Teanaway Community Forest
Washington bought the Teanaway Community Forest in 2013, making it the state’s first state-owned community forest. DNR manages it with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Until sanctioned trails are built, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on existing unmaintained trails and gated roads, at your own risk.
- Motorized: motorcycles, ORVs and ATVs can’t use gated roads closed to motor vehicles
- Hunting and fishing: allowed under WDFW rules
- Firewood cutting: not allowed
- Camping: designated campgrounds only, no dispersed camping, and a limit of 7 days in any 30
Teanaway campgrounds
- 29 Pines: 59 campsites, about 22 miles north of Cle Elum
- Indian Camp: 11 campsites plus 2 group sites, horse camping allowed
- Teanaway Camping Area: 55 campsites, first come, first served, no reservations, horse camping allowed
DNR notes that the Middle Fork road past Indian Camp is closed because of flood damage at a bridge. Check DNR’s Teanaway page (opens in a new tab) for current site status and campfire rules.
Winter in the Teanaway
DNR lists 47 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the Teanaway, reached from the Teanaway / 29 Pines Staging Area. See our snowmobiling guide for permits and other Sno-Parks.
Passes for the Teanaway
- Teanaway Community Forest (state land): Discover Pass (opens in a new tab)
- National Forest trailheads at the road ends: Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab) or America the Beautiful pass
Common questions
Who owns the Teanaway Community Forest?
The State of Washington. The Department of Natural Resources manages it together with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, with input from a community advisory committee.
What is the Teanaway Community Forest?
A 50,241-acre state-owned forest north of Cle Elum, bought in 2013. It was Washington’s first state-owned community forest.
Can you hunt in the Teanaway Community Forest?
Yes. Hunting and fishing are allowed under Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules.
Do I need a Discover Pass in the Teanaway?
DNR asks visitors to the Teanaway Community Forest to bring a Discover Pass. National Forest trailheads at the ends of the Teanaway roads use a Northwest Forest Pass instead.
Sources: Washington DNR (opens in a new tab) and WTA (opens in a new tab). Last checked October 11, 2026.
More trails near Cle Elum
Hiking · Biking · Off-roading · ATV & UTV · Snowmobiling · Horseback · Teanaway guide · Salmon La Sac guide