Fall Hiking

In Central Washington, seasons are a very real thing. But that doesn't mean there is not GREAT hiking! With absolutely amazing skylines year round, especially in September and October, hiking near sunrise provides a view that will never be forgotten. There is hiking all over the area from Grand Coulee, Yakima, Wenatchee, Cle Elum, and more. This article will focus on three trails in the Ellensburg area that vary in difficulty and scenery. Each has their own extraordinary qualities that beginner hikers to advanced would not dare to miss!

Trail one, and a personal favorite (see photographs) is Manastash Ridge. Spreading through Yakima and Kittitas County, and sitting atop of the Yakima Fold Belt, puts the hiker at what seems like, the top of Central Washington. The highest peak is over 6,000 feet after all! One trail start is easy to find, especially for visitors from out of town. Simply take the Canyon Road exit off I-90 (headed either East or Westbound). Head down Canyon Road toward the fast-food locations, and take a left onto Umptanum Road. Next, take a right onto Manastash Road. Lastly, take a left on Cove Road and park near the dead end. The entrance to this off-peak trail is at the end of the dead end. Don't forget to make a stop at the Manastash Observatory as well; definitely something to NOT miss out on! (Visit their website at http://www.astro.washington.edu/users/laws/MRO/home.page/mro.html)

Trail two is Umtanum Canyon, not far from Manastash Ridge. Although most is quite desert-like, you can't beat the wildlife out there! This hike is not extremely challenging, but is beautiful. From the main trail, if you walk about ten miles, you will hit the falls, and THAT is definitely something to see. You can get a great map here: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGW259-067 .

The last trail is the Yakima Rim Skyline Trail, which is actually below Umtanum Ridge. A great place to start is at the Buffalo Road trailhead. In the clear fall skies, hikers will understand why it is dubbed the Skyline Trail. Mount Adams and Rainier never looked this good! Go here for a great map: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGW191-065 .

Now that you have three amazing reasons to visit the wondrous Central Washington, come hike us this fall!