Umtanum Creek Canyon — Tuesday, May. 19, 2020

This hike was a highlight for me.  It was only my second hike since the trails opened and it was a total delight and wonderful surprise.  My hiking buddy, JC,  had the idea to head to the eastern side of the state to look for wildflowers, and I am so glad!  I love the spring in the desert.  We initially headed to an area near Kittitas based on a trip report the described great wildflowers.  But it was pouring rain and did not look like it would let up anytime soon.  So we headed to Yakima Canyon and Umtanum Creek trails.  We started in light rain but eventually the sun came out and it was glorious.  We first hiked up the first side canyon trail after crossing the bridge, but after about 1.5 miles it became too muddy and slick.  The wildflowers were great!  As we turned around the sun came out and we were quite happy with the views, too.   We then walked up the creek trail, which is really beautiful and opens up to big vistas of the cliffs and hills which were so green due to all the rain; the birds were very active and chatty as well.  We saw black headed grosbeak, yellow breasted chat, goldfinch, vultures.  The wildflowers were best heading up the side-canyon trail.  We didn't see any rattle snakes on either trail.  There were just a handful of people on the trail, likely due to the weather.