In an effort to get away from the rain and for a change of scenery, I drove to Eastern Washington to check out Umtanum Falls and Black Canyon. Both places are located in the Umtanum Area between Ellensburg and Yakima. While I have been to the Lower Umtanum Canyon and ridge area before, this was my first trip to to this side of the ridge. The guide book, Best Desert Hikes Washington, co-authored by Alan Bauer was indispensable on this trip.
I had no idea there were Aspens in Washington. Both areas I visited were thick with them. While the surrounding areas and hillsides are pretty barren, the canyons themselves are wildlife havens due to all the vegetation and cover they provide. While I did not see any wildlife on either hike, I did see lots of elk and deer sign. The Umtanum falls hike was only 3 miles round trip. I'm not sure if camping is officially allowed or not but there was a real nice camp site right next to the falls. The Black Canyon hike can be made into a 7 mile loop, that according to the guide book, gains Umtanum Ridge. Since I had climbed up to the ridge top during a previous hike from a different trailhead, I decided to make my goal the abandoned cabin which was only about a mile up the trail. Photography was really what I had in mind for this hike anyhow, not laying down a bunch of miles and elevation. Only hiked about 6 miles total on both hikes but it was nice to not get rained on.
It should be noted that the road going up into Black Canyon is pretty rough. My sedan made it OK but a high clearance vehicle would be a better option. Washington State Dept of Fish and Wildlife parking permit required.
*Note: Umtanum Falls and Back Canyon are separate hikes. As noted above, I used Best Desert Hikes Washington to find these places.*
These images are beautiful! This is the waterfall I someday wish to be married at! I love it! It is just the most beautiful ascape from the yakima’s sage brush inwhich it offers a ton of.
I had never heard of it to be called black canyon. Utanum falls and creek is what we locals refer to it as. The bridge side is also very nice, the creek seems to be a little thicker as it gets close to the river. Very very nice photography again!
I’m glad you liked the pictures Kadie.
Black Canyon is a separate hike from Umtanum Falls but its not too far away. I guess I wasn’t too clear on that in the post. I added a little note just now to let the reader know that.
I used the book, Best Desert Hikes Washington to find the place.
Jay
The abandoned cabin you photographed was built by my Great Grandfather Jones when he, his wife and 9 children homesteaded the land. So wonderful to see I again. Many of the family still live in the area and visit the site on occasion.
Thank you
Thank you for the note Cynthia. It is a very lovely little area that I intend to visit again and again. 9 kids, wow! I can’t even begin to imagine how hard life was back then.
Thanks so much I have only made one trip up to the old cabin. My husbands dad was one on the youngest boy’s (Stanley H Jones).
I would love to make a print of one of the pictures for my husband and his twin.
Thank you Connie. Do you know if any of your family has any stories or pictures of this area to share? Historically, I think people would love to read about the people that settled here.
I did another trip here last year with my hiking club and I got a few more images of the area. Here is the link. http://jaysjourneys.com/2012/10/21/umtanum-falls-and-black-canyon/
If you let me know which picture you want, I can email you a large version so you can have it printed.