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.

Camped in the BLM Umtanum campground ($15 night, no reservations in winter) with my kiddo and hiked a ways up the trail both days (probably not more than a mile). It was super foggy and cool but the landscape is always gorgeous here. Great way to start the New Year since my wife had a cold at home. Trail is in good shape, a bit muddy in spots. Interesting to see the creek eroding the bank on some bends.

Trailhead had a few fisherfolk and hikers both days, but it was pretty quiet. We were the only ones at the campground and both trailhead toilets were clean and stocked with TP. A ranger came by Mon morning.

Highlight for me was spotting famous trip reporter Mytho-man leading a crew up a side canyon before we left Monday. So cool.

Highlights for my kiddo were seeing the train, the suspension bridge and floating a few sticks down the river. 

Ethan, Brenda, Karen, & I took a walk up Umtanum Canyon today.  Only one of the outhouses was open at the trailhead, but it was well stocked with TP.  We walked up the canyon to the second crossing, but the logs across the creek had snow on them so we decided not to risk a slip into the creek and walked back a little ways down the canyon and then up a gentle slope to a lunch spot looking up & down the canyon.  We stayed our usual hour or so & then headed back.  The day started out pretty cloudy, but it cleared up some about noon.  There was maybe 1/4 inch of snow on the trail, but we did fine without traction devices.  There has been quite a bit of maintenance on the trail since I was here last and the trail was easy to follow and there were no blow downs to negotiate.  Thanks to whoever did this.  We didn't see any other hikers nor any wildlife in the canyon, but we did see a number of bald eagles and a couple of big horn sheep as we drove through the Yakima Canyon.

No snow but there was frost on much of the trail, in the shade. Speaking of, the sun moves quickly this time of year. Some sections that were fully in the sun on my way in were in the shade on my way out, and the temperature difference between sun and shade was probably 20°. So be sure to bring layers!

For some reason this is one of favorite trails after hiking hundreds of them throughout the state. I return to it each spring and fall (and occasionally winter) and it never disappoints. It doesn't have the grandeur of some of the North Cascades or Baker hikes, but it has its own beauty with constantly changing vegetation within a beautiful canyon.

I was quite dismayed after the wildfire destroyed much of the vegetation a couple of years ago, but life has really come back. It's more lush and vibrant than I've ever seen it before with gorgeous fall color. In many areas you can't even tell that there was a wildfire just a couple of years ago. The aspens are also really starting to come back.