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.

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.

Located behind a rock and demolition pit at the top of Summitview lies the entrance to a wonderful…read moreselection of hiking and mountain biking trail. We'd heard if it for years and finally made it out for an afternoon and loved what we found. As part of the William O Douglas trail foundation, it's part of the trails used by the Supreme Court justice to get to Mount Rainier. WOD had a polio "like" illness when he was young and overcame the leg weakness portion by hiking. Rather impressive! The trails here interweave and offshoot back and forth with a horse trail that runs most of the way up the hill, right down the middle. We took an easier trail that ended up being about 2 miles there and There is a small amount of hill climbing, but overall It was not so strenuous that a five-year-old couldn't do it - as our Five year old did it well! Trails are nicely marked, there are lots of native wildflowers and I different flora to look at, as well as a couple of old farm machines parked along the trail. They are very specific about staying on the trail, but there's plenty to keep you busy, including the beautiful views of the Valley and out into Naches. We're stoked to explore this place further and excited to have it here!

Pretty good set of trails, just outside Yakima. It was a bit hard for us to find, but we are not…read morethat familiar with the area. The terrain is mostly open hillsides, not too steep, or not too rocky - great for beginners I would say. Best thing about these trails is that they are dog friendly - a bonus to get the pooch some good exercise! We really liked our visit and would not hesitate to visit again if we are in the area!

It was a great pleasure stopping by this place. I'm a…read moretree/forest lover, so this is the perfect place to visit. The trees have name tags so that I can identify them. My dog loved their beautifully mowed lawns, and we both enjoyed walking through the entire gardens. Highly recommended.

Not really what I expected... I think I anticipated more legit gardens. It's basically a large lawn…read morewith some clusters of different trees. Wish there was a more dedicated trail or walkway. There were no signs or maps to point you in the direction of the different areas- so basically just aimlessly wandered around trying to find the butterfly garden (never did figure it out). The Japanese area was definitely the best part of the arboretum. Took a look around the gift shop, luckily I didnt find anything to purchase because I never even saw anyone around to help....

Roza Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recreation site in the Yakima River…read moreCanyon towards the southern end of the canyon. A sign for the site is clearly visible from Washington State Route 821 (also called Canyon Road) and the entry drive and parking lot inside the entrance are both paved. I purchased a day use permit (good on all BLM managed lands for the day) on site. The pay area was clearly marked and the instructions for how to pay and display your day use or overnight use permit were posted by the pay drop-box and easy to follow. I did a little walking around. A map of the site is posted that provides the lay of the land. There are spots allocated for camping, picnic tables area, and a boat ramp/waterfront area. There were some grassy/treed areas one could explore past the campsites, but I stayed in closer to the parking lot on my visit. The rocks in the Yakima River Canyon are gorgeous, and the basalt cliffs on the far side of the canyon from Roza are no exception. Beautiful location to just take in the beauty of nature. It was windy the day I stopped. Hedgy the Hedgehog, my travel companion of the day, and I sat at the picnic tables and decided it was too windy and she might blow away if she sat there while eating so we stayed in the car to eat. After eating we used the restrooms and departed to explore the canyon driving north on Washington State Route 821. Restrooms at this location are pit toilets that one cannot throw trash into. I was on my period, so this mattered. The restrooms at the other BLM managed lands I stopped at along Washington State Route 821 are also pit toilets. I figured this to be the case when I stopped here (my first BLM land of the day) so adjusted accordingly. No trash in the toilets when on your period means the feminine hygiene products one is using, be it pads and/or tampons, cannot be thrown in the toilets. I bring ziplock bags on my adventures just for this reason. Wrap the pad, tampons aren't my thing, and seal it in a ziplock bag and throw it in a trash can. I find ziplock bags do a good job of lessening the blood smell. Other bags work too. If you don't want to carry the hygiene product outside of the restroom with you there are rest areas along Interstate 90 (I-90) where disposal of pads and/or tampons is simple and straight forward. On this visit, in the afternoon on Monday the 29th of June 2020, the recreation site was not very busy and the parking lot not very full. One of the perks of adventuring on a non-holiday weekday if you can!

This site, like many of the Bureau of Land Management sites, is filthy. The restroom had so many…read moreflies in it you could not step in the door. The overnight fee is $15 which provides no amenities not even trash. I am disappointed that our government can not seem to do better than this.

Lovely respite on a hot summers day. For 9 years I've enjoyed camping near the gorge over Labor Day…read moreWeekend but haven't ventured over to the water until this year when a neighbor convinced me it was time to check it out. Wanapum Dam keeps this portion of the Columbia River from flowing and thus creates a lake type setting for water recreation and relaxation. I'm so glad I was finally able to check it out. The water was refreshing (72-74 degrees or so) and people were out on the water on boats, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, and big floating birds etc. You'll need to bring or purchase a WA state parks pass for $10/day or $30/year. There is a nice big grassy area for playing bocce ball, frisbee, football, or whatever your heart desires. People had camp stoves and were cooking and picnicking, while others just lounged about. All in all it was a great place to be by the water.

I have been in this state park on numerous occasions. Take my airstream and hang out. It's a…read moregreat place to stage for traveling up and down the river. RV sites are large and open for the most part with electric, water and sewer. The winds at night are a riot during the hot parts of the summer. They blow like crazy. There is a day park separate from the RV park that you can walk to to swim and/or just relax. During the summer it is always crowded. Vantage has a gas station with food if you need it. Gorge is very close. Across the river are parks that are supported by Grant County PUD which are very nice and usually not many people. I'm impressed with the money and resources that Grant County PUD has put into the area. Just south of the Wanapum on the same road is a small park on a lake (small) that no one is ever there. Called the cove. If you have a boat you are in heaven with the Colombia River at your call.

Nice clean recreation camping area developed by Grant County PUD…read more Nice bathrooms, well marked tent pads, river trails, paved. Pretty river views, looks to be open year round First bathroom gets a lot of use as a highway rest stop.

Such beautiful scenery and so much history. A glorious place to relax and just worship.read more

We visited the Park this year for the very first time. We've lived in Yakima for many years, but…read morejust didn't drive to it. It is so beautiful. The leaves displayed all their glory. Everything was so gorgeous. The buildings are well maintained. There were several people taking portraits. We will definitely visit the Park again. Larry & Linda Rabe

Snow Mountain Ranch is the next in a long list of hiking spots in the area that we have been…read moreexcited to check out! Just sits on the backside of the rocky top trail system and actually connects up at the top of the hill. It is accessed via Cowiche / Highland and has a very large parking lot from which you start. There are probably a dozen or so trails that range from small short lives all the way to longer hikes that take you up the hill and connect you with the William O Douglas trail system of Rocky Top. We took one of the intermediate trails that took us up a little over a mile and then came back after the kiddos had decided that they had had enough for the afternoon. Along the way, the trails were nicely groomed, they had fun stuff to look at including a number of bathtubs for whatever reason, and lots of rocks, sticks, bushes and dirt to playing. For the three little dudes, all under seven, it was a good afternoon! The trails are well marked and even the longer, steeper trails are not bad. I judge this largely by the fact that I was able to carry a three-year-old and a five-year-old (separately) on my shoulders whilst going down and not having a lot of trouble. We are very excited to continue to explore this area and at some point in the near future want to do the hike up and over, it looks to be about 6 miles. Up top are some spectacular views of Mount Adams and most of the Yakima Valley. If you've got the time, it's well worth the trip!

Finally hiked this trail! It has been on my list for a long time and I'm so glad we did it. My…read morehusband and I started around 10am and did the whole trail (roughly 6 miles) in a couple hours. We took a lunch and ate at the top and enjoyed the views of mnt Adams, Rainier and the valley. It is a pretty steady incline to the top...I would say this is not for beginners or younger children. Did not see any snakes. Would do this hike again!