Umtanum Creek Canyon
Central WashingtonBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Cross a swinging bridge over the Yakima River and follow a narrowing basalt canyon where bighorn sheep scramble the cliffs above.
About This Trail
The hike starts with a swinging suspension bridge over the Yakima River, which sets the tone for a trail that feels wilder than its proximity to Ellensburg and Yakima suggests. Beyond the bridge, the route follows Umtanum Creek upstream into a narrowing basalt canyon. Towering rock walls close in as the trail threads between the creek and steep slopes. Bighorn sheep are regularly spotted on the cliffs above.
The first 1.5 miles follow a reasonably clear path through cottonwood groves and open meadows. Beyond that, the trail becomes less defined and requires creek crossings that can be tricky during spring runoff. Trip reports consistently warn about route-finding challenges deeper in the canyon. Bring a GPS track and expect to get your feet wet.
Spring wildflowers are exceptional here: balsamroot, larkspur, lupine, and wild geraniums. Fall brings vivid color from the cottonwoods and aspens. The canyon sits in the rain shadow, delivering sunshine when western Washington is gray. The BLM parking lot charges $5 per vehicle (self-service), and cell service drops out quickly once in the canyon.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“5 miles of this trail are fairly easy to follow, though you have to go through a buzzing tunnel of trees filled with bees.”
Last report: Oct 31, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- creek crossings (potentially difficult in spring)
- trail disappears beyond 1.5 miles
- rattlesnakes
- no cell service in canyon
- loose scree on side slopes
Getting There
BLM parking lot with $5 per vehicle fee (self-service payment station). Federal land passes may apply. Year-round access.
From I-90 exit 110, take I-82 east about 3.5 miles to Exit 3 (Thrall Road). Turn right onto SR 821, left at the next stop sign, then southeast along SR 821 for 8 miles through the Yakima Canyon to the Umtanum Recreation Area parking lot on the right. Save directions before departure as cell service is unreliable.
Afternoon light in the canyon fades early due to the steep walls. Start by mid-morning to get good light deeper in. Spring creek crossings are easier by late morning when the water has dropped slightly from overnight.
Recent Reports
Fall colors were beautiful along the trail. When we arrived at the TH, there were a few drops of light rain, but they soon abated and we had a pleasant meander for a little over a mile.
Shoutout to many users posting trip reports for "off the beaten" track places, including kidz won't hike and Birb! To give back to the community, here is my trip report in which I inadvertently advance the "state of the art" knowledge on the "trail", or rather, the absolute absence of trail or passage, deep inside the Umtanum Creek Canyon.
Arrived after a day spent at Ancient Lakes and although it was a blue bird fall day, I knew that the light starting at 3pm in a canyon would be subpar. So I walked along for a few kms (personally I think the colors are "just" past peak) and then decided to b-line out of the canyon towards the Umtanum Ridge Road in order to return via the vista trail.
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