A Ridge Hike up Umtanum Canyon
The Ellensburg Canyon is a gorgeous stretch cut by the Yakima River running between Yakima and Ellensburg; it was the main route between the two cities before the freeway blazed a trough through Manashtash and Umtanum Ridges a few miles to the east. The Canyon is popular for scenic drives, fishing, hiking and rafting but is still relatively obscure and little used compared to many similar resources closer to population centers.
Yesterday on my trip back to Seattle I stopped off in the canyon to hike from Umtanum Creek Recreation site into the Wenas Wildlife Area and get views of Umtanum Creek and the Yakima River from the ridges above. It was a short and steep hike up about 1200 feet; near the top I startled a herd of about 50 rocky mountain elk and snapped a few pictures before failing light forced me to return to the road. I’m sure I’ll return soon when the wildflowers are out in force for some longer hikes; it’s gorgeous out there—highly recommended.
You can find out a bit more about the area from this Seattle PI article, or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife pages.
Looks like fun, I have yet to see that area, though I’ve driven within a few miles of it about 100 times.
The next time you pass through you’ve got to take the detour. It’d probably only take an extra half hour and is well worth it. Heading from Ellensburg I believe it’s signed “Old Canyon Road.” Heading from Yakima take the exit that reads, “Highway 823 North to 821.” The turnoff onto 821 (Canyon Rd) is right off of 97/I-82.
Will def. do it once the COBRA is in “Summer-time” garb…
[...] footbridge crossing the Yakima that led me to Sunday’s hike. April 4, 2006 @ 12:05 [...]