Umtanum Creek Falls
Kittitas County, Washington
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 39 ft (12 m)
- Location
- Kittitas County, Washington
- Access status
- Wildlife area trail to the top and base of the falls
- The walk
- 2.2 miles round trip (WTA)
- Ground & access
- Easy creekside trail with a confusing rocky section about 0.3 mile in. A rough trail leads down to the base of the falls.
Umtanum Creek Falls is a 40-foot waterfall that pours into a pool surrounded on three sides by basalt walls, in the Wenas Wildlife Area of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The trail follows the creek through Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. About 0.3 mile in, the trail is confusing: it goes straight up the rocks along logs; do not go right and cross the creek. The trail then opens up at the falls. A rough trail leads to the bottom of the falls, or you can stay at the top for the view. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Signed trailhead area on Umtanum Road in the Wenas Wildlife Area, then the Umtanum Creek Falls Trail along the creek to the falls
Washington Trails Association gives 2.2 miles round trip with 130 feet of elevation gain.
Easy creekside trail with a confusing rocky section about 0.3 mile in. A rough trail leads down to the base of the falls.
Where to start
Signed trailhead area on Umtanum Road, 10.0 miles west of Canyon Road from Ellensburg. The last 5 miles are unpaved with washboards. From Yakima the trailhead is reached on N Wenas Road. WTA lists no toilet at the trailhead.
Timing & water
No seasonal closure is stated. Watch for fast dump trucks on the unpaved road.
Before you go
A Discover Pass is required.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
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Ancient Lake FallsPartial: route to the lakes documented; exact waterfall match and final approach unconfirmedGrant County, WA37 miNE
Upper Ancient Lake FallsPartial guide: informal paths on state wildlife land; who manages the gate parking area is not statedGrant County, WA37 miNE
Clear Creek FallsParking and short viewpoint approach documented; distance unknown.228 ft (69.5 m) · Yakima County, WA38 miSW- South Fork FallsYakima County, WA40 miSW