I did the “Rattlesnake Dance” almost 40 years ago, climbing Hamlin Mountain south of Mile 18, Northshore Road at Lake Mead, in Southern Nevada. Hiking up a dry wash and route finding instead of watching where I put my feet, I felt something “squishy” under my right foot. Without slowing, I looked down and saw brownsish-pink coils coming out from under both sides of my boot, I lengthened my left leg stride while I pushed off with my right toe and saw close to three feet of Speckled Rattlesnake whip out out if it’s “sunning coil” and go zipping down the wash away from me,. I did my best Michael Flately “River Dance” steps while yodeling “SNAKE!!!” In my finest Tiny Tim falsetto. The snake was making a bee-line for my wife who stutter-stepped backwards on tip-toes and the snake seeing this thinks, “OH CRAP, ANOTHER ONE!” and dodges left into a volley-ball-sized brittle bush and finally starts to rattle; we gave it a wide berth as we continued the hike. When it saw me suddenly looming over its “sunning coil” it’s first defense was “don’t move.” and I planted my size 10 1/2 Vibram sole square on his head. After that, it’s instinct was “Get Away.” until it felt “cornered” by the person behind me and went into full “DON’T SCREW WITH ME” mode. Morale of the story, snakes usually want to avoid conflict, so they will lie still to avoid detection, flee if they can, and fight when cornered, so watch where you put your feet, and never handle a venomous snake, and have a nice hike. Most snake-bites apparently involve human males, alcohol consumption, and bad judgement.,
Had a chance to hike this ridge thanks to this video! I was already planning to visit my daughter & son-in-law in Seattle for spring break and then just a few days before my trip, you posted this video and I just had to go! My family thinks I'm silly for getting all interested in this geology channel a few months ago, but they humored me and took me over the Cascades to Ellensburg so I could finally get a chance to hike some of the beautiful areas I see in your videos. The mic muff does such a good job of muting the wind (as well as your huffing & puffing!) that us non-locals did not realize how steep & windy it was! The wind just about blew us off the ridge! Shoulda read the comments below before hiking the trail! But I still had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed the hike, and the view. Thanks for these videos with directions, we really appreciate it and will continue to try to visit the hikes you share with us.
Thank you for providing this great video, I certainly enjoyed the scenery. Back in the mid 30's I used to venture over our ranch in Northern California and enjoy the freedom and scenery it provided. Unfortunately, I m no longer able to do so, but depend on folks like you to provide it for me. Keep up the good work.
Wow what a treat to find this waiting! I am not so sure I would have continued up after seeing the sign rattlesnake dance. Its just may be me, but snakes are very hard for me to see, with only one eye, and climbing a ridge that high is hard for me to have correct depth perception to do it safely. so thank you for walking even part of the ridge, It was great to see things I know I can not see. I would have been afraid it was infested with them, glad to see that it was not. What a view of the river and the mountains on both sides, wowza that was wonderful. Enjoyed this a whole bunch.
The fuzzy mic cover is doing wonders! Even when the full brunt is hitting the mic, its fine, can barely tell the difference in improvement when you shield the camera . A+ Thank you for effort implementing those details. Its generally appreciated to link back associated videos from your historical library in the top details for people curious to know more about specific locations. There are bound to be people that come across these and don't know of your prolific back catalog, and even people that follow here that are new and dont know about them yet. Posting relevant extended content from past videos with more detail might open a whole new world for some.
That spot is very close to where I nearly ran into a mature bighorn ram who was nibbling on some delicious Timothy hay that had fallen off a truck that was hauling it down to the Yakima area. I came around the corner and had to do an emergency stop to avoid the beautiful ram- who just stared at me with contempt. It was a memorable day with the bighorn and I caught a couple of beautiful trout while fly fishing in the canyon!
Nice area. These hills remind me of the sperrin mountains in Northern Ireland. Which were once the mighty caledonian mountains also once part of the appalachians chain. They are now rolling uplands. But it’s hard to imagine that they were actually higher than the himalayas.
The sign at 1:58 says Rattlesnake Dance Trail for a reason. Keep to the trail. Bring good sturdy walking boots and leverage like a walking stick. Beautiful scenic view from the ridge. The whole area between Edgemont and Pomona, WA in the Yakima River Canyon is too spectacular for words. Thanks for making these wonderful hikes on video professor! Looks like someone got a fleeting meeting with fame at the end.
Great hike Nick! I enjoyed seeing the other hills from the ridge and the amazing views of the river. Thanks for the coordinates, I’d love to hike this one too! 👌👍💖
Dear Professor, Thank you for posting. Great weather and great scenery. I remember the earlier postings from the same area, and the Roadside Geology episodes (way too short for me !). The scenery is so beautiful that I watched it twice.
The wind noise is totally not intrusive, I almost didn't notice it before you mentioned. It looks frighteningly steep just off the path, for a Dutch flatlander like me.
When we went on vacation to Washington my dad called these “The foothills” before the Cascades Mountains …I knew nothing of the Geology but to a young kid they were big hills
Cool! A 2fer! Saw the 2nd one first! Cool to see you could make a day of geohikes some spring weekend! Nice to see yet another way to get some great geo views of the area! Again, thank you!
Nice to see that area again. Back in 2003 I was briefly at the Yakima Training Center. A bunch of us used to put in the river not too far south of there in a Zodiac raft and spend our days floating the river for a few miles.
The Canyon Road is my preferred road to Yakima from I90. More scenic, no trucks and less traffic. OOps maybe I let out another secret. I'll have to look for that pull out next time I'm headed for Tricities
Steep climb and stupendous views of the Cascades. Excellent video from the iPhone too with lots of dynamic range, I'm pleasantly surprised. What gimbal is Nick using?
If I go this right, this trail is on the Ellensburg end of the Canyon hiway??? Is that right? I saw the wind turbines off in the distance toward the Blewitts. I lived in Yakima for 14 years but now live in the Philippines. Used to go to the Ellensburg rodeo every year.
I did the “Rattlesnake Dance” almost 40 years ago, climbing Hamlin Mountain south of Mile 18, Northshore Road at Lake Mead, in Southern Nevada. Hiking up a dry wash and route finding instead of watching where I put my feet, I felt something “squishy” under my right foot. Without slowing, I looked down and saw brownsish-pink coils coming out from under both sides of my boot, I lengthened my left leg stride while I pushed off with my right toe and saw close to three feet of Speckled Rattlesnake whip out out if it’s “sunning coil” and go zipping down the wash away from me,. I did my best Michael Flately “River Dance” steps while yodeling “SNAKE!!!” In my finest Tiny Tim falsetto. The snake was making a bee-line for my wife who stutter-stepped backwards on tip-toes and the snake seeing this thinks, “OH CRAP, ANOTHER ONE!” and dodges left into a volley-ball-sized brittle bush and finally starts to rattle; we gave it a wide berth as we continued the hike. When it saw me suddenly looming over its “sunning coil” it’s first defense was “don’t move.” and I planted my size 10 1/2 Vibram sole square on his head. After that, it’s instinct was “Get Away.” until it felt “cornered” by the person behind me and went into full “DON’T SCREW WITH ME” mode. Morale of the story, snakes usually want to avoid conflict, so they will lie still to avoid detection, flee if they can, and fight when cornered, so watch where you put your feet, and never handle a venomous snake, and have a nice hike. Most snake-bites apparently involve human males, alcohol consumption, and bad judgement.,
Had a chance to hike this ridge thanks to this video! I was already planning to visit my daughter & son-in-law in Seattle for spring break and then just a few days before my trip, you posted this video and I just had to go! My family thinks I'm silly for getting all interested in this geology channel a few months ago, but they humored me and took me over the Cascades to Ellensburg so I could finally get a chance to hike some of the beautiful areas I see in your videos. The mic muff does such a good job of muting the wind (as well as your huffing & puffing!) that us non-locals did not realize how steep & windy it was! The wind just about blew us off the ridge! Shoulda read the comments below before hiking the trail! But I still had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed the hike, and the view. Thanks for these videos with directions, we really appreciate it and will continue to try to visit the hikes you share with us.
That's an awesome hike and view! That's so awesome people recognize you on places up high lol thanks for letting us from far 🇨🇦 tag along 👍
My memories of walks like this are still strong enough that seeing your hiking videos now brings back all the sensations. So many thanks, Nick!
Thank you for providing this great video, I certainly enjoyed the scenery. Back in the mid 30's I used to venture over our ranch in Northern California and enjoy the freedom and scenery it provided. Unfortunately, I m no longer able to do so, but depend on folks like you to provide it for me. Keep up the good work.
I'm surprised; those ridges are far steeper than I imagined. 😳
Thanx for bringing us along, Nick. 👍🏽😁
Wow what a treat to find this waiting! I am not so sure I would have continued up after seeing the sign rattlesnake dance. Its just may be me, but snakes are very hard for me to see, with only one eye, and climbing a ridge that high is hard for me to have correct depth perception to do it safely. so thank you for walking even part of the ridge, It was great to see things I know I can not see. I would have been afraid it was infested with them, glad to see that it was not. What a view of the river and the mountains on both sides, wowza that was wonderful. Enjoyed this a whole bunch.
The fuzzy mic cover is doing wonders! Even when the full brunt is hitting the mic, its fine, can barely tell the difference in improvement when you shield the camera . A+ Thank you for effort implementing those details.
Its generally appreciated to link back associated videos from your historical library in the top details for people curious to know more about specific locations. There are bound to be people that come across these and don't know of your prolific back catalog, and even people that follow here that are new and dont know about them yet. Posting relevant extended content from past videos with more detail might open a whole new world for some.
That spot is very close to where I nearly ran into a mature bighorn ram who was nibbling on some delicious Timothy hay that had fallen off a truck that was hauling it down to the Yakima area. I came around the corner and had to do an emergency stop to avoid the beautiful ram- who just stared at me with contempt. It was a memorable day with the bighorn and I caught a couple of beautiful trout while fly fishing in the canyon!
Nice area. These hills remind me of the sperrin mountains in Northern Ireland. Which were once the mighty caledonian mountains also once part of the appalachians chain. They are now rolling uplands. But it’s hard to imagine that they were actually higher than the himalayas.
The sign at 1:58 says Rattlesnake Dance Trail for a reason. Keep to the trail. Bring good sturdy walking boots and
leverage like a walking stick. Beautiful scenic view from the ridge. The whole area between Edgemont and Pomona, WA
in the Yakima River Canyon is too spectacular for words. Thanks for making these wonderful hikes on video professor!
Looks like someone got a fleeting meeting with fame at the end.
What a beaut of a morning Nick! Can just feel the sunshine beckoning the Sage Violets and other flowers to awaken in the Canyon. ❤️🐦🌻
Thank you for providing the itinerary for my trip to Ellensburg in May !
Thanks for the walk. We love “the canyon “ hikes. We’ll have to put that one on the list.
Good day Nick, following you all the way. Addicted and enjoying all your video trails. N&C
Great hike Nick! I enjoyed seeing the other hills from the ridge and the amazing views of the river. Thanks for the coordinates, I’d love to hike this one too! 👌👍💖
Dear Professor,
Thank you for posting. Great weather and great scenery. I remember the earlier postings from the same area, and the Roadside Geology episodes (way too short for me !). The scenery is so beautiful that I watched it twice.
What a gorgeous Sunday morning hike. Thanks for sharing this with us.
The gates are open! Let's all get out. This is a new trail to me, and what a view! Fun, Nick. Love you.
The wind noise is totally not intrusive, I almost didn't notice it before you mentioned.
It looks frighteningly steep just off the path, for a Dutch flatlander like me.
Thanks for walk Nick, beautiful views. The Stuart Range looked pretty good even when you zoomed. Take care.
Nick, this makes me miss my home town of Ellensburg WA USA.
Greening up nicely there, good bit of rain! Beautiful hike, thanks so much 🙏!!
Casual low-key hiker (old folks)...So glad your back. thanks for 3 great hikes, your vids are inspiring:) Can't wait for Baja-Bc:)
Thank you Professor Zentner
Thank you Nick for these great little shows. We miss you when we don’t see you for a few days.❤️
Thanks for taking me on a trip in one of my most favorite parts of the world I can’t get to
When we went on vacation to Washington my dad called these “The foothills” before the Cascades Mountains …I knew nothing of the Geology but to a young kid they were big hills
Beautiful day for a hike it seems. We have totally different weather here in Portland 😂
Finally got to see the real chocolate cake.
Awesome hike. Beautiful terrain. Nice people. Cool dogs lol. Great way to use a day on those trails.
lovely
Thanks for these filming this short hikes..
Thanks Nick for taking me out
Never thought of hiking that ridge !
Thank You! Scary Heights!
Cool! A 2fer! Saw the 2nd one first! Cool to see you could make a day of geohikes some spring weekend! Nice to see yet another way to get some great geo views of the area! Again, thank you!
What a gorgeous morning, thanks for bringing us along Nick!
Glad to see you Nick!!
Thanks for the hike. I just wish that i had the energy of the dogs.
Nice views and good video work , thanks Nick love learning this story!
I'm glad you do all your videos. Even if I dont understand everything, I know I can go back and rewatch past videos
What a picture perfect view .❤️👍
Ahhh, the days of the spring chalkboard lectures..and...2- minute Geology
Perfect day to be out and about... thanks for the location!
I love puppies!
Nice to see that area again. Back in 2003 I was briefly at the Yakima Training Center. A bunch of us used to put in the river not too far south of there in a Zodiac raft and spend our days floating the river for a few miles.
therapy...thanks Nick
The Canyon Road is my preferred road to Yakima from I90. More scenic, no trucks and less traffic. OOps maybe I let out another secret. I'll have to look for that pull out next time I'm headed for Tricities
Beautiful views! Are the mountains all full of rocks? What you were walking on, isn’t basalt, right?
Central rocks was awesome, loved every second!
Thanks again Nick for view! You did the work and I get the benefit!
Thanx nick!
after covid lol.
Thank you so much for doing what I cant do any more.
Thank You
Saluations from Cork Ireland
sounds like a good name for a musical combo…
Keep following your instincts, great idea to preview with logistics special spots to interested people!
Hey, I thought your Roadside Geology were a great little set of videos! I loved them.
You had me huffing and puffing along with you Nick!
Steep climb and stupendous views of the Cascades. Excellent video from the iPhone too with lots of dynamic range, I'm pleasantly surprised. What gimbal is Nick using?
Good for you, hiking off all that german chocolate fruitcake in such beautiful places!
wow love big hills
Well I could never make that hike so thanks much Nick!
My fear of heights is strong with this video. It’s great though because I’m not likely to climb this ridge.
I suppose it is too dry for trees?
Please be careful filming while walking the narrow ridge. Safety first. You can still get great footage even without your eyes glued to the screen...
So, its a national park?
If I go this right, this trail is on the Ellensburg end of the Canyon hiway??? Is that right? I saw the wind turbines off in the distance toward the Blewitts. I lived in Yakima for 14 years but now live in the Philippines. Used to go to the Ellensburg rodeo every year.
i mean im just from the other side of the cascades and i was taken aback when you called that green
How does the local geology affect the local plants?
I’ve been all over that in my 50+ years
Mana stash ridge. Man ass tash. Washington names are very interesting.
👌🥰 😎
Manastash Ridge Home of the World Famous "Mel's Hole"
First-ish!
Another Pin in my google map. thx
First!!!
The river is older than the ridge. The ridge is older than the railroad.
Itchy boots and bowties yes, muffler dirt biker boys no.