2011.5.21. Hardy Canyon - Clemen Ridge - Big Burn Canyon loop near Yakima. It's in Wenas Wildlife Area. 13.5 miles, ~3000 ft gain, 2:45 hr drive. Left Seattle in rain before 7am, heading to the hope of sunshine east of the pass. 
Started out nice and green at the left fork. Open country side. Many wild flowers scattered among sage brushes. Many man-made bird houses, most of them contain ~6 little blue bird eggs. Soon, walked along a creek, lush, even some mosquitoes. A snake barely awake lying on the trail. The only moving part was his tongue. Very rocky (loose) trail, strain on ankles and calves, gaining elevation. Rain started. 4+ miles later, emerged from the woods, back to sage brush, balsam-root flowers, lupine, and many little purple, yellow, pink, white flowers. View gets better.
Stopped for lunch ~mile 5, under the only trees close to the ridge. Less windy, but same amount of water seeping through the needles. Had to start walking soon, otherwise just getting too cold, even though one of the assistant guides handed out some extra clothing to 3 of us. Continued along the ridge and into the clouds. At some point, visibility was less than 10 meters. Saw deers running across the trail, and another group perched on a ridge further south. I was told that it is possible to see Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from here. Have to come here again. All the way down was fairly open, slopes covered with sage brush and flowers. Winding trail, still full of loose rocks. Of course, by the time we reached the cars, rain stopped!
Regrouped at Ellensburg for dinner. Sunny!
Practicality: I-90 exit 109. Turn right to drive under the freeway. At 0.7 mile, turn left at Umtanum Road (at 2nd traffic light). 5.2 miles later, gravel road for 13.2 miles (not bad except 2 spots). Then paved road (Wenas Road) for 4 miles (22.4 miles total from the traffic light in Ellensburg). A big gate signed "Hardy Canyon" on your right (closed Nov 1 - May 1). Park in the pullout area, or pass another gate and drive another 0.5 miles (a wash of ~10ft, 1ft deep) until a fork. WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife permit required.
