Today I set out for an off trail adventure to create a loop that incorporates the Umtanum Creek trail with the North Ridge Trail.
You can see the very steep route that ascends the north ridge from the parking area. It gains 800 feet in just 0.4 miles. Once on the ridge the terrain is fairly flat as it follows a old jeep road that heads in a northwest direction. At about 2 miles I headed off trail to the west. I traversed the first side canyon and descended into the larger second side canyon. This off trail route was somewhat challenging due to lots of loose talus and brushy conditions in the bottom of the valley. I had to side hill several times to avoid the brush.
A fairly large rattlesnake in the brush let me know of his presence with a loud sustained rattle. After this I was a bit paranoid as there are several other brushy sections that can't be avoided. Fortunately I did not encounter any more rattlesnake. I was also happy that there were no cliffs or exposed areas to negotiate on the route down to Umtanum Creek.
Once I was back on the main Creek trail I headed up valley to enjoy the Cottonwoods and Aspens that are mostly at their peak fall color now. The Umtanum Creek trail is very brushy and there are lots of thorny plants. I recommend long pants and long sleeves. It is also sometimes difficult to find the easiest route.
Comments
Great photos. That last one is really something!
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Oct 25, 2019 06:23 AM
Thanks. Got lucky with the lighting. It was mostly cloudy but a small hole in the clouds allowed for those cottonwoods to be illuminated while the sky was still dark and dramatic.
Posted by:
Maddy on Oct 25, 2019 06:34 AM
Great post! I've done that loop many times although it's hit and miss how i actually get back down to the river. Usually i see some mountain sheep up there. Good for you for giving it a go. The snakes are something to be aware of but it's their home and they are not really interested in biting anyone. Why people hike with off-leash dogs there, I will never know.
Posted by:
mediancat on Oct 25, 2019 07:59 AM
BEAUTIFUL photos of the BEAUTIFUL color! One of our favorite areas in the fall!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Oct 25, 2019 12:28 PM
Great photos. I hope the leaves are still on the trees after the wind when I go on Sun. Just for your information, the trailhead is on BLM land, but the canyon is on WDFW land.
Posted by:
mytho-man on Oct 25, 2019 05:17 PM
Thanks for that clarification. Sorry for the dis BLM.
The large grove of Cottonwoods along the Yakima river and just upstream from Rattlesnake Dance had already have lost their leaves. Some of the trees up the Umtanum have also lost most of their leave. Sadly, it is getting close to the end for fall color. I hope the winds are not too strong.
Posted by:
Maddy on Oct 25, 2019 06:46 PM
Wonderful shots 😍
Posted by:
Explore104 on Oct 25, 2019 06:55 PM