Cowiche Canyon Preserve — Sunday, May. 1, 2016

Central Washington > Yakima

A gorgeous day in the shrub steppe! Parked at the east side trailhead from Cowiche Canyon Rd. Trail is in fine shape, though the gravel is deep in spots. I guess we set a brisk pace because we were at the west trailhead after 40 mins or so. Explored the Lone Pine Trail on the way back, which was an easier climb than I remembered. The Vineyard Trail still makes you earn a drink over the 3/4 miles up, but what a perfect spot for a respite! Leave room in the pack for a bottle or two. Saw one small rattlesnake along the main trail as well as one other harmless guy. Definitely worth sticking to the middle of the main trail. Water in the creek running pretty swiftly now, too. Also, appears some flowers are just about ready to bloom in the uplands. Plenty of flowers along main trail right now, too.