Umtanum Creek Canyon, Durr Road and North Yakima Skyline — Sunday, Apr. 29, 2012

Central Washington > Yakima

Plan was to hike up to Umtanum Falls from the Durr Road crossing of the creek. Once Durr Road passes the shooting grounds, it gets really, really rough as it descends to the creek. I damaged my Camry's muffler, so only higher clearance vehicles should attempt this drive. The creek is higher that usual since it's spring, so my car wouldn't be able to cross the creek. We parked before the creek (broken glass everywhere) and crossed it on foot. It took a minute to find the trail that leads off to the right. It is unmarked and not much of anything. I doubt to many hikers travel on this part of the trail. The trail is brushy and hard to follow at times, and pretty clear at other times. We set off in what sounded like a warzone because of the shooters on top of the hill. And right away we came across my first rattlesnake of the year. Yes, they are out, and this was a perfect habitat for them with all of the grass, brush, logs, and rocks. Watch your step! We probably made it halfway to the falls before a bush ahead of me hissed really loudly at us. I was willing to go around it since I can handle hiking with the rattlers. But my friends have never seen wild vipers until that day and wanted to turn back. It was probably a good idea since I am sure there were more snakes yet to come. Snakes are out, road is killer. If you want to hike up the Umtanum Canyon, start at the Yakima Canyon TH. For the falls, start at the Umtanum Road TH above the falls.