WILD HORSES MONUMENT, Vantage, Washington
May 18, 2002
Being cloudy on this day in Seattle, I was eager to get to east of the mountains for some sunshine. Rain clouds were just passing though when I reached Ellensburg. It hardly rains east of the Cascades, but it was nice to see the thirsty earth get some needed water. From Interstate 90, I took the Canyon Road exit and headed south on Route 821, which hugs the Yakima River the entire way to the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area. After walking across the suspension bridge and I came upon a fork. There are two hiking routes: one goes up to the ridge and the other goes into the canyon. I took the ridge route. You will likely see more wildlife in the canyon, including rattlesnakes and big-horn sheep, but take the ridge for view and dry wind. About half a mile up the trail is a grove of aspen trees is another fork. I took the left one, which switchbacked up the ridge toward the river. At the top I got off the trail and walked to the cliff's edge. Rabbit droppings were everywhere. At the edge of the cliff is a pile of rocks where falcons feed on their kill. I found a skull of a rabbit there last year. This "is" a great place to have lunch with a nice view before you: the bend of the Yakima river and a meteor crater.
Continuing eastbound on I-90, I came upon the Columbia River. After crossing the bridge and at the top of a bluff is a vista point called Wild Horses Monument. A short hike up a gravel trail will get you to the iron horses. The wind is extremely strong at the top, so take some warm clothing. I saw some people going up in shorts and t-shirts, and it was downright painful to watch them. Across the highway is another vista point that gives you a great view of the Columbia River, but you have to go another mile eastbound on I-90, take the George exit, and return westbound.
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