Cowiche Canyon

After a winter of white and gray, everyone needs a dose of red, purple and yellow.  Cowiche Canyon, located on the outskirts of Yakima, is one of the first hikes to boast blooming flowers in the spring.

Most years, flowers are blooming in Cowiche Canyon by mid-to-late March, and they continue their colorful show well into summer.  More than 200 species of plants and 125 species of birds and wildlife call the canyon home. 

This month, look for prairie stars, blue-eyed grasses, yellow bells, buttercups, arrowleaf balsamroot, shooting stars, grass widows, foothills onion and fern-leaf desert parsleys.  In April, expect to add serviceberry, Hooker's balsamroot, Canby's desert-parsley, long-flowered mertensia,  sagebrush violet, gold stars, phlox, and narrow-leaved goldenweed.

And flowers aren't the only reason to visit this spectacular area.  The trail crisscrosses nine old railroad trestle bridges over Cowiche Creek as it flows through a unique basalt canyon.  The red and black rock formations alone make this trek worthwhile.  Overall, it's an easy trail that is excellent for the entire family.

Cowiche Canyon, located on the outskirts of Yakima, features wildflowers, great rock formations and nine old railroad trestles. Photo by Kim Brown.

The most popular place to start your exploration (wildflower book in hand) is from the Weikle Trailhead.  You can pick up a trail brochure at the trailhead to learn more about the area's history. 

The main trail is quite obvious, but there are also some side trails.  After Bridge 8, you will reach a signed junction for the Uplands Trail which takes you up to 360 degree views of Yakima and on a clear day, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams.  Or bypass the views and take the main fork to the East entrance.  Park a car at both ends or return as you came.

As a multiple use trail, hikers will share the way with bicycles and horses. Also, be aware of the presence of rattlesnakes and ticks in the area.

Guidebook: Best Desert Hikes Washington, by Alan L. Bauer & Dan A. Nelson (Mountaineers Books).  The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy's website provides good overviews of each trail, driving directions to the other trailheads, and rudimentary maps of the area.  Also, check WTA's Trip Reports - there are several spring write-ups for Cowiche Canyon.

Follow I-82 toward Yakima to Exit 31A (US 12). Take the second exit from US 12 (N. 40th Ave/Fruitvale Blvd.). Go under the freeway through Fruitvale, staying on North 40th for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Summitview Drive, continue 7.1 miles and turn right at Weikle Road, signed "Cowiche Canyon Trail." You will find a restroom at the parking area.  Check the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy website for directions to the other trailheads.