Backpack - Black Canyon (Umtanum Ridge)

Prime season for viewing desert wildflowers and a hot-spot for spring bird watching, Black Canyon is considered a gem of our Washington Desert trips.  Hike through a canyon of black basalt talus slopes, with hillsides of wildflowers.  Attain the ridge for expansive views to the northeast, Kittitas Valley, and to the west, the Cascades. We will setup camp on the ridge and spend some time exploring.  This trip is also during a full moon, so with luck of a clear sky, we may have some interesting night-time views.

This will be a dog-friendly trip, with at least one Springer Spaniel along with us.

If you have any questions about this trip, gear, etc., please don’t hesitate to contact the leader.
Note: while this trip is open to all club members, the trip is part of the Foothills Branch, B3 Backpacking Series.

A few notes: 

• Water sources may be scarce, so plan to carry most of your water for the trip.
• Pace will be slow to moderate (see note above).
• Plan to wear sturdy boots, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed sunhat for the hike; bring warm clothes for the desert night and likely windy ridge.
• The high desert of Eastern Washington is also home to bighorn sheep, elk, wild mule deer, rattlesnakes and ticks.  More information on what to do in case of a chance encounter will be shared in trip communications and at the trailhead.

TBD based on roster