As the temperatures slowly rise and we actually start to see some sun here in Western Washington, I'm finding it a bit difficult to spend my weekend days painting the inside of my house. So this weekend, the paintbrush is getting a rest and I'm taking a hike! The only question left unanswered is... where do I go?

This time of year, good weather down here in the lowlands of Seattle can be misleading. Trails throughout the Cascades and Olympics, especially at mid to high elevations, are often still under several feet of snow and may remain so until June or even July. Add to that the massive storm damage to the backcountry from fierce winter weather that closed dozens of roads and trails, and the choices of hikes are limited even further.

Fortunately, some of my favorite "shoulder season" hikes are far from the snow and the storm damage, in the deserts of Central and Eastern Washington. There I can wander through lush canyons carpeted with stunning wildflowers, or along ridgetop trails lined with fragrant sagebrush. Washington's diverse desert country offers interesting and unique opportunities for hikers, with an amazing array of  plant species and wildlife, such as elk, bighorn sheep, migratory songbirds and raptors. It allows hikers to experience an environment that's completely different from the more familiar mountain country we typically gravitate towards in the summertime.

Looking for ideas on where to venture out on a desert hike east of the Cascades? The book Desert Hikes of Washington, by Alan L. Bauer and Dan Nelson, published by Mountaineers Books is a wonderful resource for desert hikes, and highly recommended. I've included two of my favorites below. As always, check trail conditions and the weather forecast before heading out, let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back, and take along the ten essentials.

Robinson Canyon / Ainsley Canyon, west of Ellensburg in the L.T. Murray State Wildlife Recreation Area. This hike is 10 miles round trip or less, with just 1000 feet gradual elevation gain. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Use Permit is required to park at the trailhead.

This trail has long been known and loved by hunters and birdwatchers, and for good reason - it is chock full of wildlife! Whether you come to Robinson Canyon to hike alongside Ruffed Grouse, get buzzed by a Calliope Hummingbird, or nap among the sweet smelling cottonwoods, you will surely find a remarkable and peaceful respite unlike any other place in Washington state.  Take a good topographic map with you to help find your way around all the trail junctions. And take a camera so you can take the wildflower displays home with you. Call first to check ahead for elk habitat closing dates.

More information:
   Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, (509) 925-6746
   See Karen Sykes' profile of Robinson Canyon as a Hike of the Week for the Seattle P-I last year.

Directions to trailhead: From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 101 for Thorp, then turn right. Take a right on Killmoor Road, drive it for 2.5 miles, then take a right onto Robinson Canyon Road.. Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking. Park outside the gate and hike in, closing the gate behind you.


Umtanum Creek Canyon, north of Yakima in the L.T. Murray State Wildlife Recreation Area. This hike is 6-10 miles round trip, with about 200 feet elevation gain. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Permit is required to park at the trailhead, or you can pay a $3 cash day fee upon your arrival.

East of the Cascade mountains is Washington's canyon country, where scenic vistas of sagebrush plains, lush deciduous streamside forests, and vibrant wildflower fields await hikers. Umtanum Creek Canyon is in the heart of Washington's dry, sagebrush steppe country.  The trail begins at the Yakima River at 1300 feet and meanders up a lush canyon to 2000 feet, following Umtanum Creek.Late spring hiking here offers an array of migratory birds, including bluebirds, orioles, and warblers, and woodpeckers. Bighorn sheep and deer roam the canyon walls.  Rattlesnakes are numerous in the summer months, so watch your step (hiking with a walking stick reduces your chances of surprising one).  Desert wildflowers color the canyon bottom.

Good campsites occur every mile or so along the trail. Some hikers camp at the three mile mark and explore from there.  Beyond here, the trail becomes overgrown and several shallow creek crossings are required.  If you push ahead, there is a stunning waterfall.  At five miles, the trail ends at Jacob Durr Road, where you turn around and hike back down the canyon, enjoying it all over again.

More information:
   Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, (509) 925-6746

Directions to trailhead: From Seattle take I-90 to I-82 east about 3.5 miles to exit 3, Thrall Road.  Turn right on SR 821.  Go southeast along SR 821 into Yakima Canyon, which is signed.  In 8 miles you come to Umtanum Recreation Area, and the trailhead parking lot.