Umtanum Canyon
Mar 16, 2008
- 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
The break between the endless March storms that the weather forecasters promised was narrow indeed on Sunday, but we found some bright sun in Umtanum Canyon.
Spring was just beginning to happen in the canyon. The grass was greening up and a few buttercups added bright splashes of color. The following weeks should bring an ever-increasing flower show.
The first ford of the creek was difficult due to high water in the creek. If you come here, don't try to find a dry place to cross; there isn't any. Just grit your teeth and wade through the cold water. The ford can be avoided if you take the alternate, somewhat crude right bank trail, which you can find by crossing the creek on the railroad track.
The second ford was easily crossed on logs. Beyond here, the trail became a bit muddy and icy, but there was no real difficulty until the end of of the maintained trail at the third ford, about 3 miles from the trailhead. A sunny gravel bar made a nice spot to rest and enjoy a snack.
We did not try to go farther up the canyon. Beyond the third ford, the trail deteriorates into a brushy mess, and there is no point in continuing unless you want to take on the challenge of reaching the Durr Road.
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