We returned to Selah Butte to check on the bitterroot bloom. Sadly we found that the plants that had opened since our trip on 6-7 had dry looking flowers and we found no new blooms. The blooms we saw on 6-7 were mostly under sagebrush. I am trying to research why the plants are not blooming.

After our time at Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve, we drove to the TH for Selah Butte. Most of the flowers were past their prime, but we did see a few bitterroot in bloom with hundreds of buds waiting to bloom, three varieties of yellow flowers, many allium, and a few thyme-leaved buckwheat. 

We decided to hike from the canyon pullout just north of mile post 4 on canyon road up to the "summit" and head north toward elevation point ~2700' just above the river bend and dam. The views were spectacular over the entire ridge and the weather was just as good. Our main mistake was trying to make a loop out of the trip by racing down the ridge toward the dam and cutting back south at about 1900'. There are boulder/scree fields just above the canyon road, making it very precarious travel. We were extra careful not to cause any rockfall that would land on the road (or cars - eek!) and eventually made it down to the road after some very slow going. It was easy flat road walking from there back to the car, thus completing a 4.9 mile loop with just under 2000' elevation gain/loss.

This was my first time in this area and Yakima Canyon was a beautiful drive. I had a hard time finding specific directions so I hope this is helpful. We went South from Ellensburg on Canyon Drive and as you exit the mouth of the canyon Selah Creek Road is on your left side. It's a tiny sign so look closely. We drove to the gate (you can open it and drive further)and parked and walked the road all the way to the cell towers which were further away than they appeared. A road goes left at a sharp right curve right below the towers which we followed on our way back out. Either way you arrive at the top of the Butte which was covered in small Yellow flowers with more to come soon. We did see quite a few varieties and the walk along the canyon rim offered expansive views in all directions. The wind was strong when we arrived but died down as the day went along. Well worth the long drive and time well spent with a childhood friend.