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.

Driving north on Washington State Route 821 (also called Canyon Road) on Monday the 29th of June…read more2020 I noticed a hawk soaring above the trees in front of the basalt cliffs at Umtanum Recreation Site. I had been debating about whether to stop or not and the hawk sealed the deal and I decided to stop and do some exploring. A sign marks the site's entrance along the highway and a gravel road leads to a few parking lots. I followed the road all the way to its end at the parking lot by the bridge across the Yakima River. Umtanum Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed land. Day use and overnight use fees are payable at the site. Discovery Passes so not work here. Day use permits are good all day at BLM managed lands. I had paid the day use fee and got my permit earlier in the day at the BLM managed Roza Recreation Site, and used that permit here as well. After putting the permit on my dashboard I did some exploring around the site. Restroom buildings are located at the far parking lot by the bridge and do not have running water. The campsites are spread out by the parking lot and near the main gravel road. Just past the far parking lot I walked a trail to a viewing area with benches looking out over the Yakima River. The area had a sign with some of the area's wildlife described. A nice elevated place to watch the river flow and look for wildlife. Making my way to the bridge across the river I noticed a ramp into the water. Along this ramp there are tips for floating the river and some fishing rules. No vehicles are allowed on the bridge crossing the river. The water moves fast here and the bridge creaked as I walked across it, making a harmonious collection of sounds as I crossed to the other side of the river. On the other side of the bridge is the Umtanum Creek Trail that some call the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area. There are rattlesnakes in this area so I kept my exploring closer to the water. The grass is tall immediately after the bridge, so I made my way to the river bank. Too freaked out by the thought of snakes falling out of the trees on my head or darting out at me from the grass I decided to make my way back across the bridge and towards the entrance. I walked the gravel road back to the entrance to take in the beautiful basalt cliffs on display at this area. On my walk I encountered a deer grazing in the grass and shrubbery. It startled as a car came along the road, maybe it had seen a rattlesnake, and crossed the road and left the recreation site. After looking around and exploring this stretch a little I made my way back to my car and noticed the moon out over the basalt cliffs. Time for my evening drive home.

My wife and I drove down canyon road, exploring the terrain that runs along the Yakima River in…read moresearch of potential bank fishing spots. We never found any promising fishing spots, but it was a beautiful and worthwhile drive for the river and canyon views. Driving into the canyon, the tree line stops before transitioning to prairie grasses. This was impressive to see since we had been living in dense mountain trees. While we didn't find any good bank fishing, there were quite a few river fishing boats floating in the water. I imagine that most of them had a guide manning the oars while the client tossed a fly in the water. There were too many of these boats in the water for this section of the stream not to be good for fishing. In fact, on the drive back, we did see someone reeling in a trout from one of these boats. In addition to fishing boats, there are a lot of tubers coasting downriver. This was clearly a very popular section of the Yakima River for water enthusiasts. It was as popular for fishing and tubing as the Wenatchee River was for rafting. During the drive down Canyon Road, we were just as likely to see vehicles pulling fishing boats and tubs as we were to see normal cars. Umtanum Creek was only one of multiple river access points. In addition to the drop in point, busy with multiple people attempting to drop in or take out their river craft, Umtanum also has a large bridge leading to trails on the other side. It did not seem tempting on the hot, sunny day that we were there, but it would certainly be unique to hike in the canyon prairie grasses since most other trails in the area are in the forest.

This is my favorite lake but I went down and I saw a lot of garbage and one looks like somebody was…read moreliving there and somebody's writing graffiti on the trees then you go all the way down and the smell is so bad that you have to turn around I have pictures for you I just don't know how to get them to you but other than that we need to clean this up I mean their beer cans in the lake and people come all the time it should be a little cleaner but the good news is that I love your new boat ramp

Small town perk - PNW renowned fishing! Easy access - in…read moretown, open sunrise to sunset everyday. Seasonally stocked with jumbo triploids. Here's the catch - BAITLESS & BARBLESS :( Rules in place to give the fish a chance and for the avid fisherman the triumph of snagging that 25"+ trout. *Do not make like the poachers - 2 is the limit and the officials are always scoping in the bushes waiting fishing for violators...

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.

Rainy in Seattle, so heading to this sunny and warm destination. Not only the rocks but also the…read more'desert'. You can also touch the Columbia River at the end of the road. Lot's of fun except the trails. Such a impressive one-day road trip.

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.

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.

Christina and His brother are great people and are very friendly. Loved the horseback ride this…read morewinter with amazing views of frozen lakes around their ranch.

My wife and I felt adventurous and called up Kinship trail rides. It was amazing. Christina took us…read moreon an intermediate trail ride (first time on a horse for me) off Watt canyon road. Her horses where beautiful and very responsive. We will be calling her every time we come up to Suncadia. Thanks again Christina!

Played the course on a windy day, it's an awesome course, very well laid out, no holes that seem…read moreoverly punishing. Very well maintained, the tee boxes, fairways and greens are excellent, the greens are fast and consistent. The rough consists of sagebrush and is reasonably open. The pace of play was good, my wife and I played in under 4 hours on Ladies Day. Would have liked to of played under better weather conditions, but that's part of the game...The rates are very reasonable for the quality of the facility. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend playing this course.

Visited the driving range here over the weekend - some notes:…read moreBeautiful course, well maintained Most people dressed golfy, not sure about dress code. Golf carts appear to be required, no walkers Driving range operates using tokens, buy tokens in pro shop, dispenser to the left of driving range mats Pro shop actually stocks womens golf shoes, a rarity Friendly staff, resident golf pro It was very busy on this summer Sunday Nice practice putting green with well maintained areas to practice your short game (sand trap too!) And last but not least, pro shop sells WSU Cougar ball markers for $2.95, the golf pro accurately pointed out that the UW ones were 'somewhat toxic', not a big seller here. :) Looking forward to playing a round here.