Umtanum Creek Canyon, Umtanum Ridge Crest — Saturday, Mar. 2, 2013

Central Washington > Yakima

Oh the bridges we have crossed. We put another notch in our belt today for a bridge crossed. Along with my gephyrophobic dog we have crossed many bridges, (middle fork snoqualmie, deception creek, east bank baker lake to name a few) but still have some more to conquer. Today's bridge was unique as it bounced as we stepped as well as swayed from the wind adding another level of fear and excitement. The canyon was beautiful and sunny. The trail was very muddy in spots from where the snow has melted out. There were several areas that crossing the creek were not too difficult, you just had to walk along and find one to fit your comfort level, and then picking up the trail along the otherside was not too difficult. There were quite a few hikers out on this trail today, more as the day progressed. We continued along the canyon trail until it almost petered out and then returned and headed up the ridge trail. This path was not so well travelled and we pretty much had it to ourselves. There was some slick mud and a few icy snow patches, but with hiking poles and careful steps we all made it down without incident. (Careful the mud is almost slicker than the snow). A beautiful hike and even near the end of winter it was amazing the different colors that were out from the different variation in tree and brush limbs.