Forum Index > Trip Reports > N Fork Asotin Ck Nov 8, 2018 (updated)
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RichP
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RichP
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PostFri Nov 09, 2018 6:45 am 
This trail located outside of Asotin, Wa in the extreme southeast corner of the state. The Asotin Ck Wildlife Area is a good option when winter snows block access to the high country. It's also home to large herds of elk, bighorn sheep and the creek is designated critical habitat for steelhead and bull trout. It's possible to walk 10 miles up the canyon to Pinkham Butte but we opted for a shorter hike by leaving the canyon at around the 2.5 mile mark and heading up to the west rim some 500' above. From there we continued north over Bracken Point and returned to the parking area to complete a loop of 6 miles and 2000' of gain. We had hoped to spot some bighorns and saw two right above the parking area upon our return.
Entering the N Fork Asotin Ck Canyon.
Entering the N Fork Asotin Ck Canyon.
N Fork Asotin Ck is designated critical habitat for steelhead and other species.
N Fork Asotin Ck is designated critical habitat for steelhead and other species.
The trail is an old road the first 5 miles. It continues as a single track trail after that for another 5 miles to Pinkham Butte.
The trail is an old road the first 5 miles. It continues as a single track trail after that for another 5 miles to Pinkham Butte.
Leaving the canyon after 2.5 miles and hiking upslope about 500' to find some sun on this chilly morning.
Leaving the canyon after 2.5 miles and hiking upslope about 500' to find some sun on this chilly morning.
Leaving the canyon.
Leaving the canyon.
After a long break soaking up some sun on the ridge, we continued north toward Bracken Point.
After a long break soaking up some sun on the ridge, we continued north toward Bracken Point.
Bracken Point, 3404.'
Bracken Point, 3404.'
Rufus the ridge runner.
Rufus the ridge runner.
Bracken Point.
Bracken Point.
Nearing the summit of Bracken Point.
Nearing the summit of Bracken Point.
The large summit area of Bracken Point is covered with native bunchgrass. Invasive cheatgrass is more common nowadays.
The large summit area of Bracken Point is covered with native bunchgrass. Invasive cheatgrass is more common nowadays.
The way back down to the parking area at the mouth of the canyon.
The way back down to the parking area at the mouth of the canyon.
Bighorn sheep above parking area.
Bighorn sheep above parking area.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/asotin_creek/Asotin%20Creek/

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glenoid
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glenoid
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PostFri Nov 09, 2018 8:24 am 
up.gif Fun area. Lots of poison ivy along the creek. I was surprised to see the new bridge there now. As you go west it gets better and better. (You can find interesting ways up Pinkham Butte from the west, for some nice views. Trails there are not kept up, but it is an easy area to roam. Soon to be snowed in.)

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Redwic
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Redwic
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PostSun Nov 11, 2018 6:54 pm 
I love the scenery out there; yet another part of Washington that most people never take the time to visit (or might not even know about it). The poison ivy can be a drag but when you get an "itch" to hike you might as well itch all the way. clown.gif

60 pounds lighter but not 60 points brighter.
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RichP
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RichP
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PostFri Apr 26, 2019 9:02 am 
I returned on April 14 for another hike in this area. This time we went about 5 miles up the canyon into some beautiful forest. This looks like a great spring backpacking destination and we ran into a group of 4 who were just exiting as we arrived as well as a group of 4 equestrians about to start off.
Bighorns from the road in Asotin Ck Wildlife Area.
Bighorns from the road in Asotin Ck Wildlife Area.
Curious critters.
Curious critters.
North Fork Asotin Ck Trail. Most people call it Asotin Ck.
North Fork Asotin Ck Trail. Most people call it Asotin Ck.
Odd burn on a pine tree.
Odd burn on a pine tree.
Spring vegetation.
Spring vegetation.
Lots of ladybugs.
Lots of ladybugs.
N Fork Asotin Ck. This is declared critical habitat for bull trout and steelhead.
N Fork Asotin Ck. This is declared critical habitat for bull trout and steelhead.
A good bike trail.
A good bike trail.
One of numerous spots to camp along the trail.
One of numerous spots to camp along the trail.
Piney woods.
Piney woods.
A route up to the rim of the canyon.
A route up to the rim of the canyon.
This is a particularly lush area.
This is a particularly lush area.
Canyon Walls.
Canyon Walls.
Ladybugs.
Ladybugs.
In the pines..
In the pines..
Beaver work and fungi.
Beaver work and fungi.

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glenoid
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glenoid
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PostFri Apr 26, 2019 1:57 pm 
up.gif

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