Trip
Day Hike - Umtanum Ridge
A steep mid-week Naturalist reconnaissance hike from Umtanum Creek to the ridge above the canyon. In spring, it is filled with wildflowers and birds, with chances of seeing rattlesnakes and bighorn sheep. This is a new destination for the Naturalists, so we will be moving slowly and stopping frequently.
Contacts
- Thu, May 10, 2018
- Seattle Naturalists Committee
- Naturalist
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 6.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
- FULL (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
7am 65th St. Park and Ride, North end of the lot
This is a sandy route that begins at the Umtanum Recreation Center and crosses the Yakima River and the railroad tracks on a suspension bridge.
The trail will soon begin to increase in elevation as it meanders through desert sagebrush and wildflowers. After a mile of hiking, enjoy views of the canyon below. Another half mile of hiking reveals the snow-spangled Stuart Range to the north. The grade is persistent and moderately strenuous, until the last half mile, which intensifies, becoming steep and strenuous on the final push up the ridge.
Participants should have experience with Naturalist activities and will need to be physically fit for this hike.
Bring binoculars.
Umtanum Ridge
-
USGS Selah
USGS Pomona
USGS Wymer
WA DNR Yakima
Green Dot Maps (wdfw.wa.gov) - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- Navigation
- Sun protection
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination
- First aid supplies
- Fire
- Repair kit and tools, including knife
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter