This is a great close-in hike for folks in Kittitas County. Parking lot is at the very end of Umtanum Rd. WA Discover Pass required. The hike to the falls is pretty easy and family-oriented, but you can leave the trail after the falls, follow animal trails up a fairly steep hill but not too long, then you're up above the madding crowd, looking out across rolling hills and spectacular views. This time of year, even the initial trail is a bit of a challenge, going from dry trail to mud to ice. Dogs should be leashed from parking to the falls; but up into the hills can run free! Spring is just beginning to pop out but will be beautiful in just a couple of weeks.
The trail begins alongside the Umtanum Creek - but now it is ice and mud and some pretty slippery sp
An alternate route has been created into the woods, to get around the ice pond.
I tried to get as close to the edge as I could without slipping off the ledge!
Across from the falls - an ice fall
Umptanum Falls - too many people to bother getting closer in for a better shot.
I am captivated by shapes, textures, colors
Me, making my way up, taking pictures all the while!
Not much snow left on the hills close by. Such a strange winter here.
From the top of the ridge, looking down on the woods and across at the mountains beyond.
Love the red standing out against the forest green.
Sweet little sign of spring! Olsynium douglasii or 'grass widow.'
We looped around back to the road, then followed the road about a half mile to the parking lot. But
Click http://rblr.co/ABod to see more details.
