Trail Guide

CCC’s Trail Guide Manual (or Docent Manual) offers a concise review of the history of CCC lands as well as colorful descriptions of the most common flora and fauna that you may see or hear on the trails.

12 Things to Look For

CCC installed three interpretive signs to improve visitors’ experience on the trail.  The signs are located at either end of the Cowiche Canyon Trail and near the bridge over Cowiche Creek at Snow Mountain Ranch.  Each sign includes 12 Things to Look For while you explore along the trail.  Learn more about the natural history of the lands and the wildlife that inhabit them.

A big thank you to Rotary Club of Yakima for providing the funds to produce and install these signs!

CCC lands are home to animals that pose safety risks to humans. Cougars, bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes have all been spotted. These animals deserve your respect. For useful information about what to do if you encounter these animals, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Living With Wildlife portion of their website.

WDFW responds to cougar and bear sightings when there is a threat to public safety or property. If it is an emergency, dial 911. If you experience a cougar or black bear problem, and it is not an emergency, contact the South Central region of WDFW (509 575-2740) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We have a few simple rules about dogs. These rules exist for the health and safety of dogs, owners, trail users, and wildlife.

1. Clean up after your dog. This means packing up your dog’s waste to keep our trails and lands clean and healthy.

2. Dogs must be under control and on the trail at all times. Dogs should be leashed while in parking lots and at busy trailheads. When off leash, dogs must be under voice control. Dogs are presumed NOT to be under control when:

• they run off trail.
• they threaten, harass, or chase wildlife.
• they physically harm people directly or indirectly with their actions.
• they touch or jump on other people who have not invited interaction with the dog.

Horses and their riders are valued members of our trail-user community. We encourage horse-riding on the main Cowiche Canyon trail (a classic ride!), The Winery Trail, and at Rocky Top, where trails extend all the way to Snow Mountain Ranch. Please note, the Snow Mountain Ranch trailhead is inaccessible to horses. The best parking lots for trailers are the West / Weikel entrance to Cowiche Canyon and Rocky Top.

As with all trail users, we expect horse riders to be responsible. Please check trail conditions prior to your trips. Muddy trails should be avoided. They pose extra risk of trail and user damage when used by one ton animals.

We do NOT encourage riding on the single track trails of Cowiche Canyon Uplands. As these trails are winding and frequented by bikers and runners and dogs, they pose dangerous risks to horses and riders.

Please do not leave valuables in your car. Cars at trailheads are ripe targets for prowlers. Report break-ins to the Sheriff’s office (509-574-2500 or 800-572-0490), and call 911 if you witness suspicious activities.

Stay to the right . . . pass on the left

Pedestrians: Be alert for bikers and horseback riders, let them pass on the left.

Bicyclists: Keep your speed down and let pedestrians know you are about to pass. Yield to oncoming horses and pedestrians when possible.

Horseback riders: Use horseback trails, NOT single track trails.

Dog owners: Please pick up after your pets and use a leash.

Parents: Make sure your children follow the rules. No specimen (e.g. rocks, plants, wildflowers) collecting.