Umptanum LbNA #4044
Map
Nearby Boxes
Add Note
Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | May 26, 2003 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Ellensburg |
| County: | Kittitas |
| State: | Washington |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Planted by: | hoopoe  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | dvn2r ckr |
| Last found: | Aug 20, 2003 |
| Status: | F |
| Last edited: | May 26, 2003 |
Difficulty: Moderately easy, some climb, not bad for most. Some broken ground, a bit of muck possible
Clues: Simple
Status: Alive and Well 03/20/10
This box was originally intended to take you to a lovely spot. When I went to place the box I discovered that the trail now goes through private property, fenced and signed, No Trespass. As of Summer 2009 the land was once again open and some fences removed.
Not to let a good box go to waste I offer this little trek as a second box to pair with Fudricks "Irene Rinehart Riverside Park" box.
This is a great place for a picnic, so stop in town at one of the plethora of fast food places OR the grocery store with deli just 2 blocks to the north (on right) of the junction where you turn onto Umptanum Road. Pack it in Pack it out.
Total distance from I-90 to the trailhead is about 12 miles, but feels light years away. This is an excellent place for birdwatching and nature study so bring your binoculars.
Area best April to September. Snow and mucky road conditions will likely make it difficult in the "wet" season.
To the trailhead: From I-90 at Ellensburg take the Canyon Road exit. Head north (right at end of exit) on Canyon Road through the gauntlet of fast food and gas stations. If you are low on gas, fill up now, do not proceed to the box on fumes, there are no services up there.
Turn left at Umptanum Road, just after Mc Donald's. Proceed on this main road past Irene Rinehart Park. Find Fudricks box now or on the way back. From the park entrance it is nine miles to the trail head. Keep to the main road on the left hand turn ( yellow black arrow signs). This road will take you up through a canyon and you will emerge high above the valley. The pavement ends just after the junction with Durr Road. This road is usually fine, but after heavy rain (rare) or snow melt, it can be gummy. I have seen it referred to as "Gumbo Mud" so take it easy.
Notice the bird nest boxes along this road. There are 130 boxes along the 15 miles of this upland road. You can continue on the road and come out just west of Yakima. On a clear day watch for spectacular views to the north of the Stewart Range and at about box 97 ( on the left) you might see a view of Mt Rainier from a vantage one rarely sees.
At about box 73 (on the right) you will notice that the trees indicate a wet area. Go downhill through the trees and prepare for a left hand turn into the parking area at the apex of a right hand hairpin turn. (careful) There is a brown sign with the words Umptanum Falls stenciled at the top. Sign may have been removed since the area has become private. It was formerly a very popular hike.
Follow the path on the east end of the parking area. When options present keep left.
Soon you will climb upward to a rocky shelf. Stop here. At 35 degrees there should be another rock bench higher up with a large Pine tree on the left. Climb up to the top of the bench passing between the pine and the bench.
Now you should see another bench, just about 2 feet high. A large-ish rock has come loose. The Umptanum box is there. Do you have a walk and poke stick? If not use the one I left behind. My favorite walking stick died at this spot, so I left it for you to use. Watch out for snakes.
Enjoy this spot. Meander around and note the interesting rocks, plants and listen and watch for fun birds like Lewis Woodpecker, Common Nighthawk and Bullock's Oriole.
One of my favorite things to do here is sit in total silence. It can be so quiet here that the beating of your heart might be too noisy.
Return to town the way you came. You can continue on the road for bird watching and rock hounding.
Hoopoe
This box has been adopted 03/2010. Please direct any concerns to
jerryannette@fairpoint.net
Please enjoy this lovely area. There are many wonderful flowers bugs plants and birds to see.
Clues: Simple
Status: Alive and Well 03/20/10
This box was originally intended to take you to a lovely spot. When I went to place the box I discovered that the trail now goes through private property, fenced and signed, No Trespass. As of Summer 2009 the land was once again open and some fences removed.
Not to let a good box go to waste I offer this little trek as a second box to pair with Fudricks "Irene Rinehart Riverside Park" box.
This is a great place for a picnic, so stop in town at one of the plethora of fast food places OR the grocery store with deli just 2 blocks to the north (on right) of the junction where you turn onto Umptanum Road. Pack it in Pack it out.
Total distance from I-90 to the trailhead is about 12 miles, but feels light years away. This is an excellent place for birdwatching and nature study so bring your binoculars.
Area best April to September. Snow and mucky road conditions will likely make it difficult in the "wet" season.
To the trailhead: From I-90 at Ellensburg take the Canyon Road exit. Head north (right at end of exit) on Canyon Road through the gauntlet of fast food and gas stations. If you are low on gas, fill up now, do not proceed to the box on fumes, there are no services up there.
Turn left at Umptanum Road, just after Mc Donald's. Proceed on this main road past Irene Rinehart Park. Find Fudricks box now or on the way back. From the park entrance it is nine miles to the trail head. Keep to the main road on the left hand turn ( yellow black arrow signs). This road will take you up through a canyon and you will emerge high above the valley. The pavement ends just after the junction with Durr Road. This road is usually fine, but after heavy rain (rare) or snow melt, it can be gummy. I have seen it referred to as "Gumbo Mud" so take it easy.
Notice the bird nest boxes along this road. There are 130 boxes along the 15 miles of this upland road. You can continue on the road and come out just west of Yakima. On a clear day watch for spectacular views to the north of the Stewart Range and at about box 97 ( on the left) you might see a view of Mt Rainier from a vantage one rarely sees.
At about box 73 (on the right) you will notice that the trees indicate a wet area. Go downhill through the trees and prepare for a left hand turn into the parking area at the apex of a right hand hairpin turn. (careful) There is a brown sign with the words Umptanum Falls stenciled at the top. Sign may have been removed since the area has become private. It was formerly a very popular hike.
Follow the path on the east end of the parking area. When options present keep left.
Soon you will climb upward to a rocky shelf. Stop here. At 35 degrees there should be another rock bench higher up with a large Pine tree on the left. Climb up to the top of the bench passing between the pine and the bench.
Now you should see another bench, just about 2 feet high. A large-ish rock has come loose. The Umptanum box is there. Do you have a walk and poke stick? If not use the one I left behind. My favorite walking stick died at this spot, so I left it for you to use. Watch out for snakes.
Enjoy this spot. Meander around and note the interesting rocks, plants and listen and watch for fun birds like Lewis Woodpecker, Common Nighthawk and Bullock's Oriole.
One of my favorite things to do here is sit in total silence. It can be so quiet here that the beating of your heart might be too noisy.
Return to town the way you came. You can continue on the road for bird watching and rock hounding.
Hoopoe
This box has been adopted 03/2010. Please direct any concerns to
jerryannette@fairpoint.net
Please enjoy this lovely area. There are many wonderful flowers bugs plants and birds to see.