Umtanum Canyon
May 27, 2000
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Umtanum Creek Canyon
- Region: Eastern Washington -- Yakima
- Agency: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - L.T. Murray State Wildlife Recreation Area
- Avg Rating: 3.60
- Be Aware Of
- Blowdowns
- Washouts
The four of us looked forward to a weekend of getting away from Seattle on busy Memorial Day weekend... We found Umtanum Canyon to be an easy hike through a wonderfully wildlife-filled and relatively dry trail system nestled between towering cliffs and rolling ridgetop scrub meadows. Our senses were enlightened with the multitudes of songbirds, raptors and ravens, as well as the pungent perfumes of various sages and Rugosa roses. Dozens of other wildflower and tree species held our wonder as we hiked and photographed along the way towards our choice of several campsites. Many folks we met there reported Rattlesnakes, but we only saw three or four non-poisonous smaller snakes during our three-day camp. Those hikers who went beyond the first trail washout were treated to a less-disturbed and more densely-foliaged campsite and reported sightings of Bighorn Sheep.
Highlights included: Ravens feeding their young in a cliffside nest, Spring Blue butterflies 'puddling' by the dozens along the muddy stream banks, the conversational calls of the Yellow-bellied Chat bird, a locally rare Lewis's Woodpecker and quiet star-filled night skies.
Alerts: Ticks are commonly encountered. Several unsupervised children from a neighboring campsite were repeatedly allowed to go crashing loudly through the fragile streams and scrub with disturbing consequences. We also saw foolishly discarded toilet paper and evidence of unmanaged ""dog impact"" on trail surfaces. This is a very fragile ecosystem that is also home to Rattlesnakes, so it would be doubly wise to leave Fido at home! ... Hunting also adds to the impact on this area, so please be extra considerate in its use.
Our weather was partly cloudy with cool evenings and brief showers on 5/28. An altogether wonderful experience.
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