Another great conditioning hike in the canyon. 2.8 miles RT, 1650 ft elevation gain. Sturdy boots and poles sure help.

Trailhead is 0.1 miles northwest of the 4-mile marker on Highway 821 - it's small, fits just a few cars. Follow what looks like a two-track dirt road, and it quickly becomes a single trail. Enjoy walking by a few places where people have used the bathroom and left everything for all to see (and smell).  A better option, people - Roza Dam Rec Area is just a few miles down the highway, with nice bathrooms!

Once you get past the sketchy start, it's a wonderful trail that goes up, up and up. The first half-mile is the steepest, the middle part is more flat and open, and the last part is meandering switchbacks up to the top. 

Trail seemed more solid than in the past, maybe due to recent rain. But still a few slippery parts, especially on the downhill. Some flowers are still out, and the terrain varies enough to keep it interesting. At some places, the trail is narrow and through knee-high grass, so if you are afraid of snakes, you might have to self-talk your way through (I didn't see any snakes, though).

OK, that is Selah Butte, folks.

The Selah Butte boot track is a great workout at 2.86 miles round trip and 1614' gain. As with most of the Yakima Canyon trails, watch your footing for loose rock on the descent. Today was an early morning outing so we watched the sun rise over the ridge:)

Selah Butte called this morning promising a quick workout! And so it was:). A few flowers, meadowlark singing, a fine way to start the day.

The gentleman I met at the trailhead warned me that this is a steep hike. He wasn't wrong. This hike kicked my butt. I hiked through the winter but didn't get much vertical. This hike made up for it.

The trailhead is just off highway 821. It isn't marked but the GPS coordinates listed by WTA are accurate. Parking is limited, could probably fit 4-5 cars if everyone parked appropriately.

If you're facing the highway/river, the trail starts to your right. The trail starts off mild-ish but quickly turns steep. It levels off a bit after about a half mile, and then picks it up again after about another half mile and stays steep until the top. There was a tiny bit of snow on the trail near the top and it's a bit muddy in this area, but there are enough rocks here that you can avoid muddy boots.

Great views of Adams and Rainier from the top and slightly obstructed views of the Stuart range. I noticed a few yellow and white flowers. Going down I was wishing I had my poles - slip risk was high in a couple spots due to steepness and a smooth, dusty trail.

There is a carcass of something at the trailhead and a good amount of beer cans. I picked up what I could and left the carcass to the flies.

Specs from Gaia: 2.8mi, 1hr 42min, 1430ft

Selah Butte boot track leads up the slope to the east of the Yakima River. Views from the top include the Yakima Valley, Adams, Rainier, and looking north to the Enchantments. A nice close in work out:) Monday was a beautiful sunny winter day for this hike.