Holy crap this is an underrated trail. Great escape from the gray that covered the entirety of the Cascades. Everything smells like sage and with the sunshine and fresh rain it was just wonderful.
The trail is in great shape, albeit brushy especially if the grasses are hanging low because of rain. The train tracks surprised me, but you can go over or under them. It's quite a steep trail especially in the last mile or so, so poles might be useful (and good shoes if it's muddy - if not, anything will be fine).
The trail intersects the Umtanum Ridge Road, which I followed West for a few miles. 4x4s and hunters were very polite and it honestly felt more like a wide trail than a road.
It is hunting season, and there were plenty of orange vests. Wear your bright colors!
Comments