Umtanum Creek Canyon — Saturday, Sep. 3, 2016

Central Washington > Yakima

This was a pit stop on my way home to Shoreline from Goldendale. I've wanted to hike this trail so it was a perfect half way spot to stretch the legs with the dog. One thing to know is when you cross the bridge go under the railroad tracks turn left and then go right and you'll come to a trail sign. This is the fork in the road that determines what trail you want to do. Easy is straight behind the sign. Harder up into the hills go left. I choose the easy way. The minor obstacles along the way is keeping track of the trail. About a mile in I crossed the creek, thanks to a couple who pointed the way, and proceeded to go another mile. I could have kept going another mile and a half but already I bushwhacked enough for the day. Very overgrown in places but doable as long as you go the correct way, which appears from other trip reports and other people I met on the trail today, is a problem. It was a great hike other than keeping track of the trail. I was really hoping to see Big Horn Sheep but all I saw was a huge deer I scared. Next time I'll try the other trail and go up higher in the hills. I'm glad it wasn't too hot today otherwise I'm sure the hike would have been worse, especially for the dog. I'll be coming back to this hike, especially when the wildflowers are out.