Umtanum Ridge - 3.18.2014
Directions from Exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass to the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area.
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A google earth look at our loop hike... utilizing a combination of an abandoned road, a dirt road that follows along Umtanum Ridge, the Umtanum Ridge Trail and some off-trail hiking... ~8 miles, gaining ~2500 feet of elevation.
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Plenty of parking is available at the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area.
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Crossing Yakima River on a nice suspension bridge.
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After passing underneath the railroad tracks we came to this 'Y' in the trail... we will follow the Umtanum Ridge Trail for a very short distance... then head cross-country.
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We've left the trail and heading up in search of the abandoned road that parallels the river.
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Choo choo.
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A pano shot from the abandoned road... the parking area is on the left... with the Chukar Amphitheater in the upper right.
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We have followed the abandoned road to the point where we are directly across from the Chukar Amphitheater.
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We continued along the abandoned road until we could see Red's Fly Shop below... Selah Butte in the distance... this is where we left the road and headed cross country for Umtanum Ridge.
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Shortly after leaving the abandoned road we saw nine deer (bottom of photo)... Umtanum Ridge above.
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Spring has sprung... Buttercups.
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Yellow Bell.
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We are gaining elevation on our way up to the ridge... looking at the rolling hills of the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area.
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Off-trail and heading for Umtanum Ridge.
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Almost to the ridge now.
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We have reached Umtanum Ridge.
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It is a one mile hike along this dirt road to the junction with the Umtanum Ridge Trail.
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The Stuart Range is in the clouds on the left... still a half mile from the junction with the Umtanum Ridge Trail... which we we take back to the car.
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Lots of Hedgehog Cactus on the summit... but it will be another 6 weeks before they bloom.
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