Naturalist Trip - Tieton River Nature Trail

We'll meet in the parking lot of the Oak Creek Wildlife Recreation Area at 9am. Park in the large lot near the bathrooms. 

Google maps link to parking lot: https://goo.gl/maps/UoDXwTHVsHGqknF26

Directions from Yakima: Head west on US 12 about 4.4 miles past the stoplight in Naches to the junction with Highway 410. Turn left to stay on Highway 12. Continue southwest 2.0 miles to the Oak Creek Wildlife Recreation Area.

As a Naturalist trip, we will move slowly and pause frequently to identify plant species in their fall colors, birds, and other wildlife. You may want to bring binoculars. Apps like Washington Wildflower Search, Merlin, and Seeks will be useful.

Post-hike options: After the hike, you're welcome to join us for recovery beverages at a local  winery (weather dependent). And since this is a long drive for many folks, you're welcome to join us for  camping in the Yakima River Canyon (also weather dependent). The leader will email participants before the hike to assess interest and coordinate plans.

Plants commonly seen along the trail: black cottonwood, ponderosa pine, hawthorn, Garry oak, dogwood, sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush. Complete plant list from WNPS. 

Birds commonly seen on this hike in fall: Stellar's jay, northern flicker, osprey, Lewis's woodpecker, and golden eagles. Complete bird list on eBird. 

WTA hike description: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tieton-river-nature-trail#hike-full-description

More info on Oak Creek Wildlife Area: https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/oak-creek-wildlife-area