Geology Hike – Teanaway Community Forest

Millions of years ago, the 50,000 acres that make up the Teanaway Community Forest were part of a jungle. Now the landscape of the Teanaway tells a unique geological history of the times between tropics, ice lakes, and today. Join us for a guided geology hike to Cheese Rock with Central Washington University professor Karl Lillquist. Karl is a physical geographer and has been a faculty member for CWU since 1995. His current research looks at environmental change in the deserts and mountains of the western United States.  

Meet at the West Teanaway Trailhead, which requires a Discover Pass for parking. There you’ll check in, then the group will make its way to the landmark formation Cheese Rock. The group will cross the West Fork of the Teanaway river on a bridge, then over Carlson Creek before ascending about 280 feet. After scrambling across the long stretch of exposed rock and reaching Cheese Rock, the group will head along the ridge to a forest road that will take them back down the hill. This hike is short (2.5 miles round trip), but it does involve some rapid elevation gain, so be prepared! The loop takes about two hours round trip, so bring water and snacks.   

Registration is free, but limited to 20 people, and those of all ages are encouraged to join us, as long as they feel comfortable with the demands of the hike. Don't forget to bring your Discover Pass for parking! DNR has two permanent no-flush toilets at the West Teanaway Trailhead. 

Directions: Start at I-90 exit 85 (Cle Elum). Go east on SR-970 for 6.9 miles. Turn left on Teanaway Road. Go 7.3 miles. Turn left on West Fork Teanaway Road for .6 miles. Arrive at the Teanaway West Fork Trailhead.

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