Sunday, November 29, 2009

Asotin Creek


It's almost December, and the fear of cabin fever is running high. Luckily there is the Umatilla National Forest. The Wildlife Area follows Asotin Creek with a lazy two-track trail.







The trail is enclosed by basalt canyon walls which harbor tough, drought-tolerant plants. This will be a great hike for spring and fall, and perhaps winter.






























The sunny grassy trail soon turned frosty.

















This Northern Pygmy Owl sat in a thicket of sumac and let us pass close by.










The dogs loved this trail - plenty of scents and sounds. Although we kept them on leash due to the quantity of horseapples along the way. Nobody wanted to have to take a bath when we got home.