Ethan & I went back to Umtanum Canyon again today, but instead of going up the canyon we took the trail up the first side canyon to the left (south). When we reached the aspen grove with the spring & stock tank near the head of the canyon we took the left fork of the trail that follows the old service road up around Pt 2017 and then south along the bench above the Yakima River. We walked as far as Pt 2016, where we found a nice overlook for lunch. The point was a little more exposed than the rest of the route and we had a cool breeze as we ate. We were also right on the edge of the clouds and sat mostly in the shade while just across the canyon the slopes were mostly in the sun. We had nice views, but the light was a little flat to make it very dramatic. About the time we were ready to start back a train went by below us. Ethan counted 113 cars. The only wildlife we saw was a couple of bald eagles in the Yakima Canyon, but there was still a little fall color hanging on in places. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot, but there were only two other people on our route.
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