Umtanum Creek Canyon, Umtanum Ridge Crest — Sunday, Mar. 11, 2018

Spectacular day. Just above freezing when we left the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. but mid 50s on the way down. After crossing under the railroad tracks and reaching the trailhead sign, we took the right path to go up the canyon, intending to hang a left after about a mile to go up a side ravine/ridge to reach the ridge crest. 10:00 a.m. left main canyon to hike up a steep ridge finger. Reached ridge crest about noon. Two places required handholds and steep scrambling, though there were other possible routes.  Enjoyed a nice picnic on the primitive bench (careful - it's not very stable), viewing the Enchantments to the north (and possibly Glacier Peak just to the left of Stuart), Rainier, Adams, possibly St. Helens, and Hood. 5 volcanoes in all. Met another couple at the top who came up the main trail to the ridge crest. They reported that it was quite muddy, so we decided to descend back down the same way we had come up. Back at parking lot by 2:30pm. More high resolution photos and story on my blog: http://www.communichi.org/umtanum-canyon-and-ridge/

More Information on this Trip Report

• http://www.communichi.org/umtanum-canyon-and-ridge/