Steppe Outside: Wildflower Hikes in the Yakima Valley

By Heather Caro

 

With blankets of wildflowers beginning to bloom and the smell of sage perfuming the air, spring is a good time to enjoy Yakima’s shrub-steppe landscape. This season why not pull out your hiking boots and go for a stomp? Here are a couple of hikes to help get you started.

Umtanum Creek Canyon

Hike it: The Umtanum Creek Recreation Area is well known for its wildflower displays, and early spring is a great time to see brand-new buds and blooms.  The trail begins by crossing the Yakima River on a suspension footbridge. Hikers can trek through desert canyon wilderness, past gnarled fruit trees and the markings of an old homestead site, while keeping a lookout for wildlife along the way. The trail crosses the creek, passes by an alder grove (watch for bighorn sheep here) and continues about 3 miles before it narrows and becomes overgrown. After a picnic lunch, turn back here rather than attempt to trek through the underbrush.

Why You Should Go: Herds of bighorn sheep and mule deer, birds of all sizes and creek-side beaver activity are common sights along the well-preserved desert canyon. And when in bloom (usually mid to late April), Umtanum spring wildflower displays are some of the best in the state.

Directions: From I-82 Merge onto I-82 W/US-97 N via the exit on the left toward Selah/Ellensburg.  Take the WA-81 N Exit 26, toward WA-823/Selah.  Turn right on State Route 821 at the stop sign, then left at the next stop sign, following the signs for Yakima Canyon. Continue about 8 miles to the Umtanum Recreation Area. A large gravel parking lot will be on the right side of the road.

Permits: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Permit. (Permits are valid for one year and can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov for $12.

Cowiche Canyon Trail

Hike it: The wide trail alongside a vibrant streamside ecosystem follows what was once an 1880s railroad line connecting the Tieton foothills to Yakima. Hikers can wander the gentle unpaved route for 3 miles of trestle-bridged creek crossings and stunning rock sculptures before finally turning back.

 

 

 

Why You Should Go: Volunteers for Cowiche Canyon Conservancy have worked hard to develop and maintain trails on the 200-acre Cowiche Canyon preserve area. Thousands of visitors every year enjoy rock formations that would make a geologist drool, vivid wildflower displays and the many birds, marmots and other desert creatures who make this rugged landscape their home. Four trails with several access points create plenty of outdoor options so be sure to allow for time to explore. Located about 6 miles from Yakima, the pristine wilderness — and its nearly 14 total miles of established trails — make a welcome sanctuary for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike. www.cowichecanyon.org

Directions: From Yakima, travel west on Summitview Avenue about ten miles to Weikel Road and turn right. Follow Weikel Road for 0.4 miles then turn right at the sign for Cowiche Canyon.

Permits: None

Essentials

1. Dress the part. Sunglasses, bug repellant and sunscreen, comfortable boots, and layered synthetic or wool clothing help keep hikers comfortable and dry in changing environments.
2. Drink it up. Drinking plenty of water during a hike is essential to avoid dehydration or even heat stroke. Plan on carrying at least a liter or two per person – more if hiking during hot weather.
3. Fuel your footsteps. Whether you bring a picnic lunch or just a few snacks, be sure to pack a little more than you plan to eat during your hike.
4. Remember your manners. Pack up trash, take pictures of wildflowers rather than pick them and stay on established trails to keep fragile desert ecosystems intact for the next hikers. And though not yet out in full force, be on the lookout for less-than-desirable wildlife encounters with ticks and rattlesnakes.

Recipe:  Gourmet Trail Mix

Ingredients:
2 cups salted, roasted nuts
1 cup dried blueberries, cherries or apricot
1/4 cup crystalized ginger
1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1 cup dark chocolate pieces
1 cup pretzels

Combine in a large mixing bowl and stir until evenly distributed.