Just a gorgeous sunny day and a perfect hike up the left ridge of the Yakima River canyon. Somewhat confusing directions (and which are pending WTA approval after corrections) yet you either drive your car over a cattle guard once the gravel road ends and onto a long dirt road or walk over the guard to get to the trailhead (another 2 miles approximately). I did not know this and started walking across the field, actually, trying to find the trailhead and the mentioned fenceposts. Thank goodness I spotted another car close by on the dirt road and the two very kind gals picked me up and we all drove to the trailhead.
The trail is not marked but you can't miss it. It's a steady, gradual ascend over fields and wide open beautiful spaces and then along the ridge. The views just get better and better everywhere you look. Lots of big rocks to take a rest if you need. The tall wooden fence posts spaced out along the trail guide your way and give you a visual reference and motivation to keep going when you realize in the distance there's another and another. Once at the top, you can gaze down onto Roza Dam. There was a nice, cool breeze up there today and I'm glad I remembered to put on sunscreen. Coming down was just as nice as going up until I remembered I had to take that long walk on the dirt road back to my car.
The rocks, the grasses, and the earth tones were just stunning next to the crystal blue sky. Spotted some white tale deer yet too far away to get a good picture. Lots of birds chirping and flying overhead as well. Magnificent hike and depending on how vigorous you take it, it can be leisure or a work out.
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