Where the daisies bloom - Selah Cliffs

My four-legged hiking buddy had a sprained back*, so he took the time to rest and I took the time to explore this hike that's near my new home but is not pup-friendly. When a hike isn't dog friendly, it's normally a huge turn-off for me as my dog always hikes with me, but this was a unique opportunity.

Selah Cliffs Nature Area is a state-managed preserve. It was established to protect the local population of basalt daisy, an endangered species of flower that only exists in a portion of the Yakima River Canyon. I didn't see any blooms when I made my hike, but they typically peak in June. You'll want to bring binoculars to view them as they grow up on the cliffs.

Selah Cliffs Nature Area
Washington State DNR
Parking permit: Discover Pass ($10 per day/$30 per year)
Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: negligible

From Selah, head north on Highway 821 toward the Yakima River Canyon. Just before you enter the canyon, there's an access road on the right (across the street from Sundown M Ranch) that is marked as a truck turn-around. Turn right here, head to the gravel road and hang another right. The trailhead is at the gravel loop at the end, with parking for about four vehicles.

The namesake cliffs on the southern end of the canyon

There's a half-mile interpretive loop trail that provides information on the local ecology, as well as evidence of the old homestead that once stood here. On the far end of the loop, an old jeep road will lead you out to the I-82 Fred G Memorial bridge. Don't try to cross the fence at the base of the bridge, as the Yakima Firing Center is on the other side.

Homestead ruins

Flowers growing in the old road

The bridge and the road disappearing into the grass

I saw hawks and lots of other birds in the area. I didn't encounter any ticks or rattlesnakes, but the area is prone to them so hiker beware. It was a lovely, short early morning hike that's a short drive out of town.

*I'm happy to report that as of this writing, Ozzy's back seems to be fully healed. He had to spend a couple weeks on pain meds and bed rest, but he's back to running around being his old self. He'll be fundraising for WTA's Hike-a-Thon in August. Look for a post on how to help out soon!

Yakima Skyline Trail

So I read a guide for this on wta.org's site, and in my hiking guide by Tami Asars, and I realized they were two distinctly different hikes. I followed the website's version, but I put both options on my map.

To get to either trailhead, be prepared for some rough road. From Selah, head north on S Wenas Ave. Follow it as it becomes N Wenas Rd for several miles until you see a sharp right onto Gibson Rd. Then take the next right onto Buffalo Rd. For the way I went, follow Buffalo Road almost to the end. You'll pass a fence that notes you need a Discover Pass. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, but I was able to manage this route in my AWD Subaru Impreza. Definitely recommend AWD/4WD at least for this one. The guidebook takes you through a wildlife gate onto a similarly rough dirt road that I have not attempted yet.

The website takes you from the southern trailhead (the red "P") up to the hitching post, with an optional push onto Gracie Point. The guidebook takes you from the northern trailhead (the pink "(P)") up a ravine to the saddle between peaks and up to Gracie Point. You'll pick up around 1400' of elevation gain to the hitching post, and 1800' to Gracie Point.

Yakima Skyline Trail
Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Parking permit: Discover Pass ($10 per day/$30 per year)
Distance: 4-8 miles round-trip, depending on where you turn around
Elevation gain: 1400' - 1800'

I hiked from the southern trailhead up to the hitching post, then dropped onto the saddle for a short ways. There was a pullout nearby the trailhead that is large enough for several vehicles to share.

The trailhead I used

The trail climbs steadily along the canyon ridge. Wildflowers were in bloom when I went. There were several birds as well. I disturbed a grey partridge that may have had a nest nearby.

I couldn't see either Mount Adams or Mount Rainier, as they were obscured by distance clouds, but on a clearer day I'm sure there are good views of both mountains.

There was absolutely no shade or cover. I ended up burning up pretty good. 

After passing the hitching post, I dropped onto the saddle just far enough to get a photo of Roza Dam. I wasn't equipped to make it all the way to Gracie Point; that will have to wait for another day.