"Bighorn sheep roam the canyon walls and browse the grass-rich slopes between sections of rimrock. Deer bound throughout the area. Coyotes hunt the heavy populations of rabbits, red-diggers (large ground squirrels), and upland birds (quail, pheasant, chukar, grouse, Hungarian partridge, and more).

Rattlesnakes are frequently seen in the summer (another reason to visit in winter months!) as they congregate to take
advantage of the mice, voles, and ground squirrels that thrive in the creek-fed grasses and tree stands. And all around, underfoot and on the canyon walls, desert wild?owers color the canyon."

--Dan A. Nelson, Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region (The Mountaineers Books).

"May is the best time to see flowers on the east side of the Cascades. The L. T. Murray Wildlife Recreation Area is nestled in the Yakima River Canyon, a geologic blend of basalt cliffs and desert hills that rise above the river between Yakima and Ellensburg. The L. T. Murray Wildlife Area is on the west side of the river. It is administered by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In addition to prolific wildflower displays that change week by week in spring, this region is also a good place to observe wildlife. Several trails are suitable for hikers, some easier than others. Most trails here are unsigned but obvious and easy to follow. Experienced hikers can also hike cross-country to one or several high points along Umtanum Ridge."

--Art Kruckeberg with Karen Sykes & Craig Romano, Best Wildflower Hikes Washington (The Mountaineers Books).

"This isn’t your typical desert canyon. Though the hills around it are dry and covered with sage and cactus, a pretty creek pierces the heart of the canyon, providing a unique riparian ecosystem in the midst of the desert ecology zone. In addition to all the critters you’d expect to see in the high desert— deer, coyotes, rabbits, rattlesnakes, and raptors—you’ll find other unexpected species, too.

Beavers have claimed large sections of the creek, creating vast pools behind tall dams. Aspen stands quiver and rustle along the beaver pools. Badgers burrow in the banks of the creek. And a sizable herd of bighorn sheep roams the canyon bottom and the steep valley walls."

--Dan A. Nelson, Best Hikes with Dogs: Western Washington (The Mountaineers Books).

"Begin with a walk over a bouncy suspension bridge above the trout-rich waters of the Yakima River. This trail meanders up an ever-narrowing canyon, but it also seems to be a path to the past. The trail leaves behind the highway and clusters of anglers and rolls up past an old homestead (complete with an overgrown, brambly apple orchard) and leads into pristine desert wildlife habitat. The year-round waters of Umtanum Creek draw a vast collection of critters to this canyon. Bighorn sheep roam the canyon walls and browse the grass-rich bottoms. Deer abound throughout the area.

Coyotes hunt the heavy populations of rabbits, rock chucks (marmots), and upland birds (quail, pheasant, chukar, grouse, Hungarian partridge, and others). Rattlesnakes are frequently seen in the summer (another reason to visit in winter months) when they congregate to take advantage of the mice, voles, and ground squirrels that thrive in the creek-fed grasses and tree stands. Beavers and muskrats build homes in the creek, creating an endless series of pools and ponds throughout the length of the valley. All around, underfoot and on the canyon walls, desert wildflowers color the canyon."

--Alan L. Bauer & Dan A. Nelson, Best Desert Hikes Washington (The Mountaineers Books).

"Starting with a spring stride over a bouncy suspension bridge above the trout-rich waters of the Yakima River, this trail meanders up an ever-narrowing canyon. But it also seems to be a path to the past, as the trail leaves the highway and the car-camping anglers behind and rolls up a rugged desert canyon.

Along the route, you’ll step into the past as the trail cuts through an old homestead (complete with overgrown, brambly apple orchard) and into pristine desert wildlife habitat. The year-round waters of Umtanum Creek draw a vast collection of critters to this canyon, including a thriving population of
beavers. We’ve even encountered badgers in the canyon."

--Dan A. Nelson, Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region (The Mountaineers Books).

"Umtanum Creek Canyon is a great place to visit, especially in the springtime when the canyon wildflowers are in bloom or in the fall when the desert displays a wide spectrum of earth tones.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the canyon’s nearly flat trail and challenging themselves to find wildlife, like the bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain elk, coyote, and deer that live on these hillsides. You may even be lucky enough to see a beaver, or at least evidence of them in the form of a dam on the creek as it heads up the canyon."

--Tami Asars, Day Hiking Mount Adams and Goat Rocks (The Mountaineers Books).

"A diversity of landscape and ecosystems are found along this canyon trek. Starting high and hiking downhill, the route begins in open Douglas-?r forest and ends in sagebrush-and-scrub-grass desert canyons. Elk roam the upper woods while bighorn sheep prowl the steep canyon walls around the pounding waterfall.

Visit in early spring to enjoy the best wildlife viewing (beasts of all sizes stick to this canyon while the snows still ?ll the high country). Spring also means that the waterfall is running full with snowmelt water."

--Dan A. Nelson, Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region (The Mountaineers Books).

"Before you even set foot on the trail you are immersed in history, as the road to the trailhead is actually part of an old stagecoach route across the mountains. Be grateful you don’t have wooden wheels!

Once on the trail, follow Umtanum Creek to a lovely and somewhat unexpected waterfall coming off of basalt cliffs above. The grade is gentle, but the steep and somewhat precarious descent to the falls below can be tricky for those who aren’t surefooted."

--Tami Asars, Day Hiking Mount Adams and Goat Rocks (The Mountaineers Books).

"A diversity of landscape and ecosystems are found along this canyon trek. Starting high and hiking downhill, the route begins in open, Douglas fir forest and ends in sagebrush and scrub grass desert canyons. Elk roam the upper woods, and bighorn sheep prowl the steep canyon walls around the pounding waterfall.

Visit in early spring to enjoy the best wildlife viewing (beasts of all sizes stick to this canyon while the snows still fill the high country). Spring also means the waterfall is running full with snowmelt water. The area in and around the falls is very icy in winter."

--Alan L. Bauer & Dan A. Nelson, Best Desert Hikes Washington (The Mountaineers Books).