Would give the alt route 3.5 but it’s brushy bushwhacking for about 3 miles and a couple sketchy fence climbs.
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We’ve hiked this trail in the spring and it was very clear of brush but today, after a summer of growth, it was hard to find the trails the farther we progressed westbound.
More fallen tree from the fire that came through a couple of years ago.
There’s a lot of game trails that lead into the bush so it’s easy to get off the main trail.
It would be nice if BLM would maintain the trail a little better.
$5 parking pass required
★
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★
Good early season high desert loop. Look for red tails and Coops nesting at head of woods.
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Beautiful hike/scramble loop - nice views in all directions and beautiful views of canyon and river from Yakima skyline trail.
★
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Sobering view of the natural destruction nature can produce. A fire began here at end of August 2020 and burned 2000 vertical feet of sage brush as well as almost the entire lower creek drainage. Beautiful views await at the ridge. I should note that the true summit is .6 miles to the right on the jeep road. There's an earth quake sensor there.
★
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Looking to escape the Seattle June Gloom, we headed east. This is a lot prettier hike than expected, not at all like the scrubby areas that surround it. Also one of the few areas that do not allow ORV and mountain bikes. Trail is dry now but looks like it could get muddy at other times of year. Great time to go before it gets too hot, watch the kids and dogs, lots of very dangerous drops near the falls. Road is in great condition, any car can make it.
★
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stars
