I took a short walk in Cowiche Canyon from the west end this afternoon.  The main canyon trail no longer has any ice & is easily walkable.  The trails out of the canyon & on the uplands are probably pretty muddy.  The canyon was a bit drab on this cool, cloudy afternoon.

Beautiful New Year's morning hike on lower Cowiche Canyon trail beginning at the other entrance just off of Powerhouse Rd near the Fred Meyers.  There were no recent trip reports posted after our recent freezing rain and so was unprepared in not being able to access the main trail which was almost completely iced over and pretty treacherous in some areas. Spikes would definitely have made it easier and safer.  Not wanting to turn back home, I trekked carefully on the side banks through the crunchy snow (and was even was passed by a couple of gals in spiked running shoes) yet which was also treacherous in some areas as the slope to the creek is right there!  There were a few parts of the trail that were not iced over.  I slowly made it to bridge #8 (complete ice) and then went off trail to the right and up the winery trail.  The winery trail was bare and frozen mud.  Well worth taking it clear to the top after the disappointment of the iced over main trail.  The creek was a gorgeous, deep blue and air crisp.  A few grouse here and there but no signs of wildlife.  One unleashed dog.  

Good reminder to always come prepared during the winter months (clamp on spikes) and that sometimes simply putting one foot in front of the other can be a simple and beautiful mindful meditation.  If there is a will, there is a way.  

Happy New Year!

Trail is very flat, lovely walk along the river.  We saw rough legged hawks, mountain chickadees, plenty of magpies, California quail, varied thrush, and a bald eagle.  The vineyard tasting rooms are closed except for Thurs - Sunday, so we didn't venture up that side trail. Lovely if a bit stark this time of year.

Travelled from Ellensburg to try a new walk. Did this walk many years ago, but from the western trailhead. This time we parked at the east TH. Lovely, easy walk through a pretty canyon with many of the trees still cloaked in their fall vestments. The recent snowfall made for a striking effect, especially on the red sumac and yellow aspen. Love how the burbling creek keeps you company the whole way. We crossed over multiple little footbridges, which is a sweet quirk of this hike. Reached the western trailhead without even trying, ate lunch under a large fir, and made it back to the car in under 3 hours, really taking our time. We'll be back to explore the other trails in this system, very curious about the vineyards trail. Great little hike that the dog also enjoyed!