Umtanum Ridge Crest — Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Parking fee: Carry $5 cash per vehicle

This parking lot is owned by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) and fees are in place year-round. Parking is $5.00 per vehicle unless you have America the Beautiful pass. The Discover pass or NW forest pass will not work here.There is an electronic payment system to pay the $5 fee if you do not have cash. For some reason, it wasn't working today. Thankfully, we had cash :) There are restrooms at the parking lot.

From the parking lot, you will take a bridge that crosses the Yakima River and the railroad tracks on a suspension bridge. You go under the tracks and turn to your left to find the Vista Trail. Walk like 25-30 yards and you will spot the trail on your right.

Once you see this trail and start walking on it, you will very soon see a notice board. There are no signs indicating the beginning of the Ridge trail. You will need to take the trail on your left to reach the Umtanum ridgeline.

The grade is persistent but not that strenuous in the beginning. The trail was muddy in a few places. The trail is completely snow free. The last 3/4 mile has half of the elevation gain and also was muddy and slippery. It becomes very steep and strenuous in the final stretch.I was so thankful I had my hiking poles with me. My hiking poles tremendously helped going down this slippery and steep stretch. Parts of the trail are very rocky, so take your time coming down.

The trail is completely exposed and there is no tree cover, so don't forget to bring sunscreen.

On a clear day, you get great views Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Stuart and the Wenatchee Mountains. Today, we were only able to see the Stuart Range and the Wenatchee mountains!

At the ridge crest, it was super windy. We had to take out our gloves and jackets. We enjoyed the views, took a quick lunch break and were ready to head down :)

My Garmin recorded 5.27 miles and 2,215 ft of elevation gain. A great workout on a great day to be outdoors! When it's raining in the Seattle area, we always drive East to chase the sun! So, glad we did!