This is a great place to climb, hike, run, camp...heck, even geocache, if you're into that (I am),…read morebut you must have a Discover Pass to do all of these things (according to the WTA website, it is required once you turn onto Vantage Road). It doesn't matter what time of day it is, it's wonderfully scenic. Both sunrises and sunsets are pretty amazing. As another reviewer pointed out, there is a composting toilet here (no other amenities), which is NASTY when the weather is warm. Make sure you bring your own toilet paper. My only complaint is around mid-March when the mutant mosquitoes are swarming - which incidentally is when my husband and I decided to get married out here. We camped the night before, so I didn't get much sleep due to the crippling fear of waking up with mosquito bites all over my face. But otherwise, I love it out here.

The sandy trails and beach area south of Frenchman coulee have historically supported nude…read morerecreation since the early 2000s to May of 2025 when a nudity ban was implemented by Grant County PUD. Because it has had such a loyal consistent following over the years and holds many advantages over crowded shaded Portland area nude beaches, it's a popular spring and early summer destination for sun bathers looking to get away from the clouds and rain of Seattle/Portland etc. It's breath taking desert backdrop and unparalled scenic beauty rival any other beach along the Columbia River. It's also close to rock climbing, the Sage Cliff Restaurant at Quincy and ample free camping and hiking available in the nearby bluffs on the way down to the beach from I 90. There are well maintained vault toilets and endless swimming along the Columbia River which is clean and toxin free here, as it is upstream away from the Hanford Nuclear Site closer to Richland to the south. Personally, despite occasional patrol, I think people are still going to discreetly get naked here. I would recommend a bathing suit or at least a G string or thong for people feeling adventurous. No need to get cited or trespassed. It's such a magical place and you could practically live there outside in a Van or tent from April to late October. Highly recommend. I car camp in my SUV and it's superb. Wonderful atmosphere. Take lots of food and water if you stay a few days. It gets well over 100 degrees in June July and August.

Canyon Road (also called Washington State Route 821) winds along the Yakima River on one side of…read morethe Yakima River Canyon (also called the Yakima Canyon) and a railroad runs along the other side of the canyon. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages lands in Yakima Canyon and there are a number of recreation sites open for day use and overnight use for a small fee. If you are just driving through you do not need to pay a fee. I paid for the day use permit at one of the recreation sites and then used it at the other site I stopped at in the Canyon as well since the pass is good for BLM managed lands. I recently drove through the Canyon from South (near Selah) to North (near Ellensburg). The ride provides stunning views of basalt cliffs and the Yakima River all the way. A BLM sign welcoming you to the Yakima River Canyon by the Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve marks the beginning of the drive/ride on the South side. There are abundant roadside pull-outs where you can stop to take pictures and take in the scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you adventure. I saw deer, hawks, and other various birds in this area as well as a very cool metallic lime green colored bug. I got a handful of mosquito bites, and watch out for rattlesnakes. A number of trains carrying different loads rode the railroad tracks through the canyon while I was exploring. Though not so many as to detract from the peaceful and quiet nature of the Canyon.

Absolutely gorgeous! The river is calm, free of debris and makes for a magnificent float through…read morethis amazing Basalt canyon. A must see, and a nice contrast to the lush greens of the western side of the state.

Great views, Wonderful place to visit…read more Not a bad drive to that view point. Doesn't cost to stop and view

One of my favorite hikes! Went in 5th grade, 6th, 8th, and a couple more times in my adult hood…read more It's a steep climb but you get to your destination faster. Theres also a notebook you get to sign that the ellensburg library (I think) keeps on record each year!

I stopped to take my dogs for a walk. I really like how easily it is to walk around. We walked down…read moreto the Yakima River to see the water. Lots of parking and a couple of picnic tables were there. You can reserve the picnic shelter. Pretty place to stop.

A great little known park by the Yakima river, on the way into Selah and with access to the…read moregreenway path and the Selah ridge hike on the William O Douglas trail. Access to this park is off of Resthave road just before you get to the exit for Selah. Take the exit, turn left and cross the freeway to go down into the park. The parking lot here has room for 50+ cars. There are a couple nice covered areas with picnics tables and a number of grills placed throughout the park. There's a lone bathroom at the east end of the park near the greenway path. The grassy area here is excellent for running around, having a picnic or just taking a stroll! A greenway auxiliary path runs into the park and provides access to the main pathway as well as an offshoot to Selah ridge where you can hike a section of the William O Douglas trail up the hill. A very nice park with access to the greenway, the river, Selah ridge and picnic areas - what's not to love!

Once upon a time these cliffs and the surrounding rocks were barren of life. Volcanoes spewed lava…read moreforth over the landscape. As the lava cooled to match the temperature of the atmosphere structures developed within the lava flows. These structures are on full display in the Selah Cliffs. Millions of years later life is thriving here, and one species known as the Basalt Daisy is in high abundance here. Conservation efforts to protect and preserve both the natural landscape and native wildlife has resulted in the Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve. Just North of Selah driving North on Washington State Route 821 the adventure begins just past the 'Entering Yakima River Canyon' sign on the right hand side of the road. A short gravel road branching off at the truck turnaround leads to a looped gravel road with a parking lot on the side of the loop nearest the Preserve. A Discover Pass is needed to park here or incur a $99 fine. Interpretive signs along the trail throughout the Preserve aid in thinking about the natural significance and history of this area and how that connects to later human activity in the area. Millions of years from now these cliffs and the plains of the valley may be part of a lush jungle boasting life such as Saber-toothed Tigers, Jaguars, and Ocelots. Go Jaguars, nature's powerhouses of South and Central America! The creek may become a river and this once barren landscape may evolve into a green oasis similar to, though not the same as, the barren volcanic islands of Hawai'i later fostering diverse plant life once the volcanoes that form each island stop erupting. Nature can change in drastic ways. Embrace the passing of time and the changes in life it brings.

Beautiful hike up the trail that Yakima Supreme Court justice - William O Douglas - used to hike…read moreduring his childhood. He had a polio like illness as a boy that left his legs weak and he found the outdoors to be both his playground and his gym! There's some really nice signage around the trail that explains how profound of an influence this area had on him personally and professionally! The hike starts out via the greenway or at Harlan Landing - off the ramp into Selah. There's a recent additional start to the hike that was recently added on the path from Harlan's landing and it makes the whole thing much shorter. The hike starts over a small flat area after which you go under some train tracks. The hike up the hill is a good steep climb but our 3, 5 and 7 year olds were able to trek it with minimal help. It was a tougher climb for the 3 year old and he spent a good portion on my shoulders but it didn't make the climb terrible on me. Up top the views of the valley, both Yakima and Selah were very pretty! There are some power lines and a cell station up top with a small abandoned shed next to it. It was a good spot for the little guys to explore and made for some solid pictures. The hike took us about 1.5 hours and was about 3 miles round trip from the parking lot. Not to long and with great views - (Adams is huge on a sunny day!) it's a wonderful way to spend your day!

Well this is a hidden gem. It looks brand new, but I just bet people don't come out here to launch…read moretheir boats when there are so many other places to go like Moses Lake. You have to strike a good day when it's not so choppy out. When I created this profile, the wind was really strong. That wouldn't make for a good boating day but I'm sure not every day is as windy. There's restrooms here that seem well cared for and a short trail that leads to a tiny marina. Lot's or boat trailer parking and picnic tables. Like I've said..it all looks brand new. Beautiful view of the Vantage Bridge.

Two year old visitors center. Clean, informative staff…read more Interesting exhibit and movie. You can't walk in or out the dam. Worth the stop to take a look and stretch your legs.