Cowiche Canyon Trails and Tamales – A Birthday Celebration!

When my friend Ellen discovered that our birthdays were just a day apart the first week of April, she brilliantly suggested that we do a group run with friends to celebrate. This is the time of year when we’re all going a bit stir crazy and are tired of running on muddy and rainy trails (still love you Issaquah Alps). She suggested we trade ferns for sagebrush and head east to the drier part of Washington (near Yakima) and run at Cowiche Canyon. Oh, and then we should go to an awesome tamale place for post-run grub. SOLD. This past Saturday we gathered up a bunch of our trail running friends and headed over Snoqualmie Pass!

It’s a 2.5 hour one-way drive from Seattle, but the drive felt short with a few of my friends in the car to help pass the time. We were delighted with views of the snow-covered Cascades in the morning light. Once over the pass, the landscape changes dramatically. We eagerly feasted our eyes on the distant, bare hills that lacked the evergreens, moss, and ferns to which we are accustomed. We also saw one of our towering volcanoes in the distance, and I said, “Huh, I wonder… is that Mt. Adams, or…?” Not ten seconds later a sign fortuitously appeared next to the road that said Mt. Rainier ->. Evidently enough people have asked that same question to warrant some signage!

We met up with our friends at the Scenic Trailhead (also called the Cowiche Canyon & Uplands Trailhead), and after a flurry of catching up and re-layering for the temperature, we were ready for our run! Well, almost. Ellen and I were given some mini sombreros and beaded necklaces to add to the fun. (Yes, we wore them the whole time!)

Cowiche Canyon is a mix of BLM and Cowiche Canyon Conservancy owned land that offers nearly 30 miles of trails. The trails are in two groups connected by one trail through the canyon itself. There’s also a trail up to a winery if you’re thirsty! Unfortunately we didn’t get up there this time for a tasting, but it definitely has to happen the next time!

We didn’t have a particular planned route, as we had a range of distance goals in the group, so we just headed for the canyon and figured it out as we went. (Very out of character for me, I know, ha!)

At an intersection, Ellen and I were informed there was an additional celebratory activity including a small piñata! It proved to be a tough little thing that withstood our ineffectual punches and hits with a rock. After much giggling and exclaiming that it was a piñata for small children for Christ’s sake, we yanked on the legs and Kit Kats and Reeses eggs spilled out. Don’t worry, we picked up all the candy and pieces – no trace left behind!

We took a fairly steep trail down into the canyon, and enjoyed the views on the way down. Once down in the canyon proper, the trail is wide and easy, and you can take some time to look up around you. The rock formations are interesting in color and texture. There was one informational sign explaining the geology, but I’m afraid I don’t recall much, oops. Guess I’ll have to go back to reread it.

After the trail reached the end of the canyon, we followed another trail up to the rim. Up top we could again see Rainier in the distance, and some small signs of spring down at our feet.

We had intended on following the Historic Jeep Trail back to our starting point, but ended up on some sort of deer trail instead. Oops. Adventure! Eventually we got back on track and headed back to our start.

Our ~10.5 trail run complete, there were a few more celebratory activities in store. Sharon had brought a full flask of Bulleit Rye Whiskey, so obviously I took a swig of that. Then I was offered a liquor called Hot Donkey. With a name like that, how could I resist?

If you ever encounter Hot Donkey, though, resistance is not futile. RESIST. It’s… tequila with cinnamon. Sarah’s response was my favorite, “Anytime I’ve had anything with tequila, I’ve never thought this could really use some cinnamon.” It was an experience, but I can safely say I won’t be purchasing a bottle for my shelf. 😉

Thirst (questionably) quenched for the moment, we were still famished, so it was time for part 2 of the trip – tamales! We went to the tiny and authentic Los Hernandez Tamales in Union Gap. They just won a James Beard award this year, so I was very excited to check them out. The restaurant only has a few tables, so we ate our tamales in the parking lot. Tamale tailgate party!

I ordered a dozen in order to bring some home for me and Adam later, and I’m soooo glad I did. They were fantastic. Apparently they have a special asparagus and pepperjack one in May that is legendary, but it wasn’t available quite yet. I was more than happy with the chicken and pork ones, though!

I’m SO grateful and happy that Ellen planned such a fun day to celebrate our birthdays, and that so many of our friends made the trek east for it! <3 It was a blast to catch up with everyone, explore a new area, and feed our faces with amazing tamales. I’ll have to come up with an equally fun birthday trail run for the group next year! 🙂