WASHINGTON'S "LESSER KNOWN"
TOP DESTINATIONS
Yakima Rim Skyline Trail
One of Washington's most spectacular displays of wildflowers can be seen as early as mid-March high along the grassy slopes above the Yakima Canyon in the L.T. Murray Wildlife Recreation Area. This region is distinguished by a series of great basalt-capped ridges and deep troughs collectively referred to as the Yakima Folds; ridges uplifted and folded millions of years ago probably in connection to the geotectonic events that led to formation of the Cascade Range. A nine-mile round-trip day hike will not only reward you with a colorful array of desert flowers, but affords an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and bird-watching. Enjoy vistas of Mount Adams to the southwest, Mount Rainier and the Cascades to the west, and the Yakima River to the east. Overnighters can continue on the 18-mile trail, but will need to either double back or use a car shuttle. Water is scarce, so be sure to carry an adequate supply. Remember to respect the land and pack out all that you carry in. From I-82, just north of Yakima, take the Firing Center exit (#26), proceed west on Canyon Road for .7 miles to Harrison Road, and turn left; after 2 miles turn right onto North Wenas Road; after 2.8 miles it will curve sharply to the left - continue straight onto a dirt road (Gibson Rd.); within a quarter of a mile turn right (east) onto Buffalo Road; continue 2.75 miles past farms and through grasslands to a parking area above the trailhead.