Sunny + hail (not cold). Robinson Canyon in L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. Didn't see much wild life. Some woodpeckers, hummingbirds, 1 deer, 1 other group of hikers, 3 horse trailers. No snake, nor elk. Pleasant hike. First half is along and across a small creek (will probably dry out in a month or two), southern ridge looks interesting. 2nd half, going up the northern ridge, view opens, including Mt Stuart. The drive itself is rather scenic (a few lakes and snow dotted mountains, trees with all shades of green). Minimum elevation gain. Trail is better on the top, than at the bottom of the valley: too rocky, easy to twist ankles.Among the flowers, I was able to take pictures of Baldhead waterleaf (hydrophyllum capitatum), Rainier violet (Viola trinervata), Woodland star (Lithophragma parviflorum).
On the way back, stopped by Roslyn's Brick for beer and pub food. An old coal mining town, where the TV series Northern Exposure was filmed. Nothing much to look at. (Check out the sign in the photo!)Direction: I-90 exit 101 for Thorp. At the exit ramp turn right, .75 mile later turn right on Killmoor Road for ~2.5 miles. Turn right on Robinson Canyon Road (the first half-mile is paved) and continue 1.5 miles to trailhead parking at the elk fence gate, elevation 2,200 feet. A WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Permit is required ($13).
Trail data: ~1.5 miles from the trailhead to Robinson Creek/Ainsley Canyon junction, ~400 feet of elevation gain. 1 more mile to the high point in Ainsley Canyon, total 1000 feet gain.
