Umtanum Creek is quite lovely. The stream was difficult to ford (running quite high due to recent warm and wet weather) so we stayed on the south side until farther up the creek than the first crossing on the map. A mile or so after we crossed the stream the trail petered out (the main trail at this point was back on the west side) so we elected to go up a ridge to the plateau north of the creek, and then descend back to the RR track to cross the creek and then to the car. On the plateau we intersected a primitive road leading back towards the car. Eventually as the land steepened the road turned to a foot trail.
Surprise! The top of the ridge is MUD! Freeze thaw cycles and rain have made what in the summer must be dry sage country into a very muddy walk on level-ish ground. Well, so we did it, not really a problem just mud. When the trail steepened to drop back to the RR track it dried out somewhat. At a certain point you will encounter a fork in the trail (just as you start to drop to the RR track) - we took the right fork but the left fork might have been a bit easier. If the steep descent was wet from fresh rain it would be difficult - you'd have to go off trail into the grass and sage to get good footing.
I'd go here again in the spring when it's green and flowering, and take your shoe of choice for crossing the stream. Or, go in winter when it's been very cold so everything is frozen. Then crossing the stream might be easier and the mud would be hard.
About 5.2 miles RT, 1150 ft gain.
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