Umtanum Ridge Crest — Sunday, Apr. 14, 2024

Headed up Umtanum Ridge before the wind picked up this afternoon. Took the two doggos with me, but this was a pretty challenging hike to take them on due to how steep the descent from the ridgeline is. There's no water past the junction at the Aspen Grove, so make sure to pack plenty.

Other things to note when bringing dogs, the Umtanum Creek area has a healthy population of rattlesnakes due to a den nearby. Please give them space if you see them, and keep in mind that this might not be a great hike with dogs or undersupervised children during the warmer months due to the snake population. One of the few times I've heard my sweet mother swear, was when she accidentally straddled a rattlesnake that was trying to cross the trail on a previous hike :) Umtanum Ridge is generally much less snaky then along the creek, but you should still use caution.  Another hiker reported that he had seen a bull snake, and I also spotted two Pygmy short horned lizards, so the reptiles are definitely out and about. 

Other than some loose rocks, the trail was in good condition. While dry now, this is not one to try muddy unless you enjoy butt sledding on clay all the way back to the car. The flowers are really good right now.  Several species of balsamroot are showing off, and the trail up the north side of the ridge is lined with goldstar, bluebells, shooting stars, lomatium, prairie stars, showy phlox, serviceberry, and more. I brought binoculars and could not believe how thick the vibrant magenta shooting stars were on some of the upper north facing slopes!

After eating lunch at the top of the trail, enjoying the view of Adams, Rainier, and Staurt, I poked around the south side of the ridge for a while. The Balsamroot are going pretty bonkers on that side, plus there are blooming lupine and daggerpod as well as Basalt cactus (not quite in bloom yet).

On the descent, I struggled to wrangle the two danger doodles down the steep trail. We made it, with only minor yelling, and a few close calls! The dogs enjoyed a cool down in the river at the end of the hike before we headed home. 

Don't forgot that Umtanum is on Federal land, so bring $5 or your America the Beautiful pass. It looked like they have now installed a card reader to pay, but I didn't test it out.