Umtanum Creek & Umtanum Ridge Trails

This month visit the Umtanum Recreation Area, located just south of Ellensburg. Popular in the spring for its spectacular wildflower display, Umtanum Creek is a great mid-winter destination as well. As part of the Wenas Wildlife Area, Umtanum Creek boasts an array of wildlife, including bald eagles, California bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain elk, coyotes, and mule deer.

Umtanum Recreation Area has two options for exploring: stick to Umtanum Creek for a more-or-less flat wander up the canyon, or climb up to Umtanum Ridge for views of the surrounding area. Both hikes start at the parking lot of the Umtanum Recreation Area (directions below). Cross the suspension bridge over the Yakima River and continue on to cross a set of railroad tracks. Soon after the tracks you will come to an unsigned trail junction: stay straight (northwest) for the Umtanum Creek hike, or bear left for Umtanum Ridge.

The Umtanum Creek Trail follows the canyon upstream. Look for remnants of an old homestead and an apple orchard gone wild about a mile from the trail junction. Homesteaders settled here in the late 1800s – take a moment to imagine what it would be like to live in this wild canyon. The trail stretches up the canyon for about two miles; wander as far as you like, then return the way you came.

The Umtanum Ridge hike follows a steep side canyon to reach the ridgeline. Climb up the canyon along a small stream. The canyon eventually opens up to rolling hills; continue up, up, up to the high point of Umtanum Ridge at 3,630 feet – that’s more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain! Congratulate yourself, relax, and enjoy the views of the east side of the North Cascades. Return the way you came or route-find off-trail back to Umtanum Creek. 

To reach Umtanum Recreation Area: From I-90, take exit 110/I-82 (just south of Ellensburg). Take Exit 3 for Thrall Road, and turn right at the stop sign onto State Route 821, also called Canyon Road. Follow SR-821 for a little over 8 miles, dropping down into the Yakima River Canyon, to the Umtanum Recreation Area where you’ll find a parking lot and restrooms.

Trail Notes: Visit the Umtanum Recreation Area website for more information. Be sure to check the road conditions and weather forecast before heading out. And don’t forget your 10 Essentials!