A native of Quincy, after attending Central Washington University, Tami Walton fell in love with Ellensburg and didn't want to leave after graduation. An outdoor enthusiast, she has been an avid adventurer from a young age and opened her own sporting goods store 27 years ago in downtown Ellensburg. She frequently guides hikes and skiing expeditions in the area.She will lead us on a special walk in the several of her favorite spots in the Kittitas Valley and tour of the Thorp Grist Mill.

From Tami:

Join us as we explore the beautiful Kittitas Valley with it’s vibrant fall colors and crisp fresh air. Our tour will begin in the 50,241- acre Teanaway Community Forest where we will learn some of the history of how Washington’s first state owned community forest came to be and how conservation and sustainable forestry are working together to preserve and restore this beautiful land. We will explore the unique sandstone riverbed of the West Fork Teanaway River, exposed by logging operations over 100 years ago, followed by a short hike to the unique geological formation known as “Cheese Rock”.

Leaving the West Fork Teanaway campground, we will follow the Teanaway River out of the valley as it winds down and empties into the Yakima River. This is the same path the logs would follow out of the Teanaway Valley, down the Yakima River to the Thorp Mill. Our day will end with a tour of the historic Thorp Grist Mill, which stands adjacent to where the lumber mill used to stand and is the only remaining building at the mill site

Box lunch included from the Kittitas Cafe with water/snacks provided. Please wear sturdy, closed toed shoes, bring a jacket and a refillable water bottle. NOTE: must be able to walk 1/2 mile stretches.