With stormy weather coming into western Washington today, I decided to head east to find some sun and enjoy the tail end of the fall color. The fall color was definitely past prime but there were still a few trees with nice color. The Aspen have almost all lost their leaves. This would have been perfect about 1-2 weeks ago. The canyon was amazingly abandoned today. I didn't cross paths with any people today.
I've been to Umtanum several times in the past but this was the furthest that I have ventured up the canyon. Beyond about 1.5 mi the trail becomes more difficult to follow at times. Other times it is obvious. Whenever the trail seems to end in impenetrable brush I would always find the continuation on the other side of the creek. I definitely recommend long pants and long sleeves because the trail is very brushy with some thorny plants along the way. Expect to get face whipped a few times.
At about 3.5 miles there is a cool Basalt tower formation that's just north of the creek. This is a cool place to explore and scramble to get some views. I think that this would make for a perfect turn around point for a day hike. I continued on for about another 1/2 mile. It was increasingly brushy and rocky and probably not worth the extra effort.
On the drive back home it was cool driving into the dark and spooky storm that was coming through Cle Elum. It was snowing lightly at Snoqualmie pass.
8 mi RT to my turnaround (7 mi RT to the Basalt tower). 500 ft elevation gain total.
Comments
Thank you for the report and nice photos! This I one of our favorite fall hikes! We have had a GREAT trip, but have missed seeing the fall colors in Wa. Maybe next fall we should stay home to view them in person and not vicariously through reports like yours!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Nov 05, 2017 08:36 PM