Durr Road and North Yakima Skyline, Umtanum Creek Canyon — Thursday, Apr. 27, 2023

Drove in from the north end of Durr Road. The road is rough especially the portion that drops to Umtanum Creek. High clearance is definitely recommended. The view from this road of the Stuart range and Mt Rainier are spectacular.We hiked first upstream toward the waterfall but only made it about .5 mls just past a feeder creek before the trail became  hard to follow. We then hiked downstream where the trail was more distinct though more of an animal trail than a true well worn trail. The trail follows the south side of the creek and about .5mls we crossed over to the north side as the canyon walls close in on the south side. We continued almost another .5 mls where we could see the trail from the Yakima River trailhead on the south side. Decided not to cross as the climb out of the river and up to trail was a very steep bank possible to do but a definite scramble. As a point of reference we were downstream of the power lines and where the canyon narrows in on both side. Be aware rattlesnakes are out as we heard one so diverted uphill. We also found one tick not attached - the hazard of bushwhacking in this area. Due to the water this is a bird mecca! Saw many yellow rumped warblers, canyon wren,woodpecker,ruby crowned kinglet,swallows, and a kingfisher. Turkey vulture and harrier hunting seen on drive in. Many more seen but unidentified. Lots of gray's desert parsley, chocolate tips, sagebrush buttercups, and camas flowers soon will be blooming. There is primitive car camping at the creek although some areas are covered in broken glass.No bathroom facilities. There is also a backpacking camp just a 1/4ml downstream but has not been used in some time. One person camped at creek and only saw 2 atvs all day.