I think this is actually a little gem that doesn't get enough attention. This trip report is for a 6 mile round-trip hike along Durr Road. A good starting point is accessing Durr Road from Umtanum Road, driving 2 miles and then parking on your right. You might find some people target shooting in the area, but everyone is always respectful and you'll leave the shooters behind.
Continue to walk on Durr road. You'll go downhill for bit, but then the canyon opens up and you'll have some impressive views. Cross the bridge over Umtanum Creek and then continue uphill. After 1/2 mile or so from the bridge, take the side road to your left. This will take you to a view across the canyon and you'll see where you descended on the other side. There are several rock outcroppings so find your lunch spot and enjoy the view before your return.
This area is not as vibrant as the main Umtanum Creek Canyon trail, but much more stark.
Saw lots of hunters driving in their trucks. 6 of them (in different trucks !) stopped us and asked us what were doing. They seemed very surprised to see hikers in the area, but everyone was very friendly. No, were were not wearing orange, but I really don't get why wearing orange in the FALL is such a great idea (despite the convention). I think light blue stands out a lot more against the fall color and most deer I know don't dress in blue.
Comments
Bob and Barb on Durr Road and North Yakima Skyline
This is a beautiful area. We have driven the road and parked and walked the side road shortly after the bridge. In our younger years we parked in the open area before the bridge and walked a ways on the trail which is the end of the the Umtanum Canyon Trail which starts in the Yakima Canyon Road Recreation Area. That was 35 years ago or more! We are now 84 and 86 so mostly just meander! :)!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Oct 24, 2023 12:27 PM
Follow-up
Thanks for your comments. Only now getting back to take a look, but it looks like you know the area well yourself. I know this is the continuation of Umtanum Creek, but wasn't aware that there is a trail there also that goes from the area near the bridge. I will check that out next time I'm there. The fires devastated this whole area, but it's slowly starting to come back.
Posted by:
NWphotographer on Nov 07, 2023 03:51 PM
Bob and Barb on Durr Road and North Yakima Skyline
I don't know if the trail survived the fire! I remember it being difficult to follow when we did it 30 or more years ago!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Nov 07, 2023 10:10 PM