I normally only hike Ginkgo Petrified Forest backcountry in April/May time frame and I usually see bighorn sheep. This was my first attempt at hiking late in the year.
Driving toward Ginkgo, the sky was almost clear, with red in the east, looking good for a nice day. The Wenatchee radio announcer mentioned that was pockets of fog around. Of course, that would mean fog along the Columbia River at Vantage.
Arrived at Rocky Reach parking lot just as the sun was trying to come over the mountain and peak under the layer of fog.
A sign read there is no maintenance during winter months, but yet the bathroom was opened and stocked.
It was cold in the morning (about 38 degrees), the wind was blowing, and I did not have my long johns.
I headed up hill to find the fog was thickening as I went. It was too foggy to find any bighorn sheep today. They were probably hiding in the fog. The fog began clearing as I was finishing my hike around 11 am.
Even with the fog this was an enjoyable late fall hike.
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