We were in Yakima for the first time ever over the weekend and our friend recommended we check out Cowiche Canyon for some hiking! She suggested the Cowiche Canyon Trail since we didn't have a ton of time. We are so glad we decided to do this! The trail is not too far outside the city. We used the CCC website to find directions to the correct trailhead since there are many. We wanted to park at the east TH. When we arrived, we were unsure if this was the right place because it didn't indicate the name of TH but we saw signs for Cowiche Canyon Trail and knew we were right. The road to the TH turns from paved to gravel and it's just a little past that. We loved the scenery of this hike. As the name may indicate, you are indeed walking through a canyon. We were struck by how different of a landscape this was than Western WA and the Cascades, almost desert/Arizona-like. The Canyon Trail is a flat gravel trail cutting across the canyon and over some bridges. It is a great hike for any level. A creek runs alongside the whole time. In summer, when temps get hot, I can imagine this hike being slightly uncomfortable as there is no shade. We hiked to the junction for the Winery Trail and took it. This leads up the canyon-side to wineries above... how awesome! This section is a little steep. There were yellow balsamroot all over the hillside! So lovely. A note: it was quite windy both in the canyon and on the ridge. I don't know if this is regular thing or just a fluke but something to consider. At the top of the canyon, you are given directions to head to two different tasting rooms. We just wandered around looking at the rows of wine grapes. Such a neat thing, and it must be even better on a hot day! We climbed back down and then continued on the Canyon Trail until just past bridge 6 before turning around. It was a breathe of fresh air during our road trip and I highly recommend stopping here to experience a truly unique landscape.

Great easy hike with lots of spring flowers. Between the bridges, interesting rock formations, and no elevation gain, I recommend this hike for all ages. While you can start the hike from either end, I recommend going the way the description recommends (starting at Weikel Road). I think the rock formations are easier to see from that direction. Remember that desert wildflowers are small. What looks like white carpet is really wildflowers. Enjoy!

Made a break for the sunnier side of things a few days ago and did a quick afternoon hike (walk) through Cowiche Canyon in the afternoon. A beautiful bit of canyon country close to the city, the trail is well maintained and mellow hiking for all levels. I started at the Weikel trailhead and did an out and back through the canyon. There wasn't enough time to explore some of the side loops (radio flyer trail, etc) which is unfortunate as it seems that is where most of the wildflower blooms are, but enjoyed the amazing geology of the area and managed to see some wildlife as well. All in all big reward for minimal effort. A few notes - there is a lot of sun exposure on the hike, plan accordingly as things get warmer. Other websites have had reports of vehicle prowling and break ins, secure valuables accordingly.

Decided on "plan B" today and headed over to Cowiche Canyon with my mom to see the wildflowers. There are no facilities at the TH so you may want to stop somewhere in town before you hit the trail. We parked at the lot on Weikel Road. And headed down the trail next to the creek. There's a good map and signage throughout so getting lost would take some effort. You can head 3 miles down the creek and back or watch for signs where you can head uphill for some loop trails. The creek is nice with pussy willows and red twig dogwood along the trail. The flowers are all up on the hillside. The trails were nice and gentle for my non-hiker mom. This spring sunshine is perfect too. All blue sky but not hot. Looks like summer here would be a real scorcher! In between sagebrush you will see carpets of yellow and white flowers. Then comes the purple and orange flowers. Only ran into a couple hikers and bikers. Lots of peace and quiet. A few birds singing and evidence of coyotes. Lots of evidence. Haha Happy hiking!