Backpack - Black Canyon (Umtanum Ridge)

Tibbetts Park & Ride in Issaquah - Meet at uncovered part of lot at 7:30 am

Google Maps Directions link:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/47.537109,-122.3927705/tibbetts+park+and+ride/@47.5904407,-122.3671102,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x54906f73db399293:0x5f5836a2c48e826e!2m2!1d-122.0621444!2d47.5405856

Because we cannot park overnight at the P&R, carpool arrangements will need to be made between participants prior to meeting on Saturday morning. High clearance vehicles are essential. There is room for about 4 cars at the trailhead, and Discover Pass is required. My hope is fitting all 9 of us in three cars and heading out that morning.

Late April is generally still cool, even in Eastern Washington. Low 50s during the day, and pretty cold at night. But also sunny and gorgeous during Spring time.

It's also very, very windy on the ridge, so appropriate layers to accommodate this. In addition, this hike requires we carry all of our water with us, which adds considerable weight to packs. Consider lightweight gear, and prepare to bring plenty of water. With that, this trip requires leader permission, not because it's super strenuous, but it does require extra water weight and desert condition considerations.

Average Water for an overnight trip:

1 liter for every 5 miles hiked and at least 3 liters for an overnight (generally includes cooking for dinner/breakfast and two hot drinks)

These are conservative amounts. Know what you usually consume, and go from there. Since we will be carrying lots of water, we will go at a reasonable pace!

I have added 2 miles total to this trip because the Forest Service Road conditions. WTA states this is a 7 mile loop, but because of parking just of Wenas Road, it adds a mile to and from.