Umtanum Creek Canyon — Friday, Jan. 9, 2015

Central Washington > Yakima

A little fog at the trail head was just a challenge and incentive to go higher. So off we went on a cold winter morning heading up the south ridge of the Umtanum Canyon. Soon the fog thinned and became a blanket below us covering the Yakima River and parts of the surrounding hills. The trail was frozen but we make good time until we hit a "warm spot" where the ice had thawed into a thin layer of mud. This required some fancy footwork in the steeper areas but soon enough we were back on frozen trail. The view opened up to include Mt Stuart and the Enchantments area. Arriving at the summit there was 360 degrees of wonderful views including Mt Rainier and Adams. Frost on the sagebrush and grass added a special effect. Winter brings out surprising color and beauty to this shrub-steppe landscape. A light snack and it was time to head down. We "stepped lightly" in the areas where the trail was muddy. A perfect winter morning hike in the Yakima Canyon.