Started our week off strong by spending the morning here! The trail wasn't difficult for myself, but I do hike with my children and this trail was fairly difficult for them. The trail head as you come under the railroad was confusing. Wasn't sure which side to come out on do we climb over the big rocks or no lol and no sign which direction to trail once up top of the railroad tracks. We eventually figured it out. Steep going up for my little guys ages 6 and 4. We made it about a mile in and it was hard on them, so we had to turn around and I actually had to carry my 4yo out. Not the first time a trail has done this to my little and probably won't be the last lol Even though I had to carry him out we still had a blast and I got some extra calories burned by hauling an extra 40 pounds! The views were amazing of what we did get to see, bugs were out and about but there was also beautiful flowers, and so many butterflies! Probably for a next time we go we will start at a different trail head and see how that works for us.

Great hike for kids. We took the Canyon Creek trail (right at the sign after crossing the railroad tracks). We were able to let the kids lead on and off trail without out fear of getting lost.

Really beautiful trail. Peaceful by the river and love the area.

This is a fantastic hike if you are looking to get of the house and be outdoors but not do anything that is to difficult. When we went up there it was very warm and sunny the flowers were blooming all around and the grass was a beautiful green that was just short enough to sit in and relax. The trail itself was very easy to get to and also easy to follow. One thing that I should mention is that when we went it was very hot which did mean that we saw a lot of rattle snakes. As we were walking through I couldn't 8 just by the river alone and also had to avoid one that was in the middle of the path. As long as you keep a safe distance and don't charge them in any way you shouldn't have any problem.

We took a short walk in the canyon this afternoon. Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe (GISS) was held from 9am to 1pm at the Umtanum Recreation Area with a bird watching trip beginning at 7:30 am. We arrived shortly before 1:00 to find an over--flowing parking area. We did not know of the event until then. Expert led field trips and hands-on and educational booths with butterflies and snakes were there part of the event. We did not hear or see many birds perhaps because of the activities of the day. The elderberry bushes were blooming, a prickly pear cactus was seen, many roses were blooming, a chive plant, and pearly everlasting were some of the flowers seen.