This was our best fishing trip in a long time, all thanks to a great team of guides!…read moreThis was our first time fishing on the Yakima in the Spring, but Todd Fukashima and his colleague Lucas Martinez got us properly prepared for the weather, set up two days of great fishing on the best sections of the river, and made this a 5 five star experience across the board! My wife and I have fished with Todd and Lucas in past summers, with great success, so when a good friend wanted to come out West for a couple of Spring days we set up two boats for two Yakima river floats. It was chilly in the mornings but we were well geared up, and after about 10AM we had beautiful weather, great boating, and great guiding from both Lucas and Todd. Everybody caught nice fish, buy my wife's 23 inch rainbow wowed the whole crew! Nice, fat 17 to19 inch fish were boated by all of us, both nymphing and through some great dry fly action. Todd and Lucas did a great job of setting us up right, with the right flies for each part of the day and section of the river. They are both skillful guides and educators, but also just plain fun to fish with!! This was one of the best trips ever and I can't thank Todd and Lucas enough for making sure we all had a great time! Will DEFINITELY call Ellensburg when we get time to get back to this great fishery!!

We decided to sneak in some trout fishing before going to a concert at the nearby Gorge…read moreAmphitheater, so we set up what turned out to be 1.5 great days with Stefan drift-boating on the Yakima. Stefan not only was a great guy to talk to, but he did a simply amazing job of putting us onto fish (e.g., "after this tree, there is some soft water on the seam where it drops off so cast it right there.") He also provided clear feedback when our mends got sloppy or we were missing strikes. It was unseasonably windy and cold in June so watch the weather and bring a beanie, a good fleece, and a good shell. Overall, we had a great time and I'd recommend this service to anyone. The canyon part of the Yakima, in particular, was very beautiful. And Sarah was a dream to work with on setting things up.

About 1 hour and 15 mins away from the seattle area and it's a great place for hiking! We got there…read morejust passed 9 and the parking lot is packed so get there early if you wanna avoid wasting time on parking. It took us 2.5 hours to go up and 2 hrs to return. It was pretty easy for the first 3 miles but the last mile is definitely a killer. It was kinda steep and really energy-consuming. However it's not bad in general - we got to the top at the point when I thought I would give up, but then the lake is right there. The lake is so pretty!! I was so shocked on how clear the water is. The view itself it's just okay and you can maybe hike more if you want the full picture. I wouldn't say the view is not worth it for the 2.5 hrs hiking but I'm not sure if I would do it again. There are also lots of good views along the way and it was lot of fun to take the pictures. There are also lots of bugs and water crossing area so bring a bug spray and waterproof shoes if you have them!

The views on this hike warrant a five star review for sure! Loads of waterfalls, mountains, and of…read morecourse trees and flowers to see on this route up to Rachel Lake. The problem? Not a clear trail at all. My hiking group and I found ourselves asking, "Is this trail?", numerous times on this extremely strenuous seemingly endless uphill trek to the lake. Now, granted, some of our group was in better shape than others and managed the physicality of the trail better than others but still we all agreed it was extremely hard. First you drive up a gravel road approximately 6 miles to get to the parking lot. One bathroom is available there which wasn't too gross. Once you enter the trail it starts heading up. And up and up and up. It is seemingly endless. I believe it about 4 plus miles up. The trail starts out fairly marked and easy to follow. Then it doesn't. Unfortunately I got separated from my group for a good portion of this hike due to my attempt to stay with the "faster" ladies, lol. I just kept going up. Thank goodness a few other people passed me to let me know I was on the right track. No trail at all really for a good portion and I merely followed a dry creek trail. Extremely rocky and loads of bushwhacking. I had to stop every five to ten feet to catch my breath. The steepness reminded me of a hike in Big Sur called Garrapata which after I competed that one I said I would never do again, lol. Now to the good parts of the hike. Gorgeous scenery beyond words! Loads of amazing waterfalls as you are following a creek flowing from a lake high above. The lake was outstandingly beautiful. I took a quick dip in the icy water at the top! Quickly it changed my outlook on the hike and cooled me off. Will I do it again? Maybe, but next time. I will bring more snacks for the hike that give me energy. I will start out slower and take more frequent deliberate breaks. And please please don't forget your mosquito repellent! Also, long pants as a large portion of this hike you go through tall grasses and overgrowth. I consider myself an experienced hiker when I was in CA, but here in WA, I am a beginner for sure. Stay hydrated and go at your own pace. This is worth it at least once. SYOY and No FOMO for me here! Lol.

If you're planing to go camping, this is a beautiful lake to go to and there's a campground close…read moreby. First word that came to mind when I initially saw it was "pristine". It's a picture perfect lake. If you go early in the morning, the water is calm and it's so quiet. It's perfect fishing weather and trout is super easy to catch here. It's a two pole limit per person. There's quite a bit of activity in the afternoon during the summer of kayaking, tubing, rowing, etc. but the lake is large where it does not get crowded. No motorized boats allowed. The water is clear and a beautiful blue color. Be careful since it can get deep quick. The view is like no other with other mountains and trees surrounding it. Cooper Lake is small on the map, so not that many people go to it from what I have read. Cle Elm river and Kachess lake are nearby which is visited more.

You can read a more comprehensive review at the link below. Bottom line - The Evening Hatch's…read moreprogram from the Black Bear Lodge is top notch. Awesome accommodations. Incredible fishery. Experienced (and fun) guides. What else can you ask for? This destination should be on your bucket list. https://www.brookdogfishing.com/big-water-washington-state/

THIS IS THE SHOP TO USE. As a guide in Colorado for 8 years and now having lived in WA for about 4,…read moreI can confidently say this shop is the move. They've got extensive, knowledge, phenomenal angler and guided service and the most important.... They're just extremely welcoming no matter what level of angler you are. To back this review up, I recently took my relatively newish raft up to float the yak, upon getting up there i realized I had a hole in my floor and forgot my patch kit 3 hour away. After scrambling around all morning to different hardware stores trying to repair it I made one call to the evening hatch where I reached Rich (owner) and said we could come over and use his person patch kit. Showed up and Rich gave me his personal patch kit and helped me patch the hole in the floor... no charge... and he saved the day and got us on the water. Hell, he'd probably give you the shirt off his back if ya asked. Not only that he pointed out 4-5 bugs for us to throw that day and we pulled fish into the boat consistently all damn day with his fly recs. I can assure you this is your one stop shop. They will continue to receive all my business morning forward. Can't recommend em enough!

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.

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.

I was with a large group, service was excellent, food was very good. The view is great and decor is…read moreappropriate for the setting. A unique location with great food.

Fabulous food here! Fish n chips and burger were AMAZING!!! Cocktails are out of this world as…read morewell. Service was fantastic, We will be back!

They have the best group of guides on the river, their fly selection is impressive, and they're…read morejust a really nice, knowledgeable staff who loves to help customers be better anglers!

Our family booked a rafting trip through Suncadia Lodge in Cle Elum Washington and they referred us…read moreto troutwater fly. They provided us with two river raft guides and two rafts for 10 of us. They picked us up at our rental house in Suncadia and took us down to the Cle Elum River. we split up into two groups and each got a ride. None of us had to paddle it was more of a float and there were some very small Rapids to go through that were more of a fun ride than scary. They also provided us with water guns so we could have a fun family duel. Along the way we saw a deer and some elk and a few baby ducks and our guide, Blake, was very knowledgeable about the area friendly and fun. They provided us with wine, beer and lots of fun and laughter for a great day on the river. The whole tour lasted about 3 hours from start to finish. They do different tours one is on the Cle Elum River and one is on the Yakima River I have done both and we liked the Cle Elum River better it's a lot faster and more fun.

Great views! Started around 9 AM on a Saturday and wasn't too too crowded. Definitely started…read moreseeing more people on the way down though. I also slipped on my butt like two steps away from the trailhead :( Parking lot pretty big but I believe it fills quick. The trail gets quite narrow in some spots. Hiking shoes and poles recommended!

Gorgeous place! We were able to go snowshoeing for free! Plenty of parking on the side of the road…read more Highly recommend bringing hiking poles since it's super icy this season!

Mileage: estimated about 10 miles total (2 miles to where we set up our tents, then we hiked a loop…read moreof about 6 miles, then 2 miles back to the car the next day) Backpacked: April 16-17, 2016 This past weekend a group of us did an overnight backpack trek to Ancient Lakes. 3 first timers backpacking and it turned out to be an awesome trip! We had some problems trying to find directions out to the place, so here's directions from my personal experience. Directions: we stayed in Quincy the night before, so we took the 28 to Whitetail Road. Made a left on Whitetail from the 28, then a right on road 9 NW. follow road 9 NW and it turns into Ancient Lakes Rd NW. At the end of the road, you'll find the west parking lot. I am not sure how to get to the east parking lot. There's a lot of parking here, when we got there by 11 am, it was really crowded but we still found a spot. (When you are on Whitetail Rd, it might look like you are just driving through farms, but buried in there, there's Ancient Lakes!) There is a port-o-potty at the trail head on the west side. Trail head: is well marked, we hiked in about 2 miles and got to the lakes and the rolling grass area where you can set up tent where ever. There are some man made fire rings scattered through out the area. Hiking: After we picked a spot and set up camp, we hiked a loop around the lakes. We started towards the waterfall. It was a scramble up the side of the waterfall, like a class 4 rock scramble lol. Loose rocks, loose footing. From there, we went pass that waterfall and onto the backside where the east parking lot is. Which there's another waterfall there, and there's also camp spots there too. We looped around, it wasn't too hard. We estimated this part of the hike to be around 6 miles round trip back to our tents. Lots of people camping, we counted about 50 tents, then you estimate about 2/per tent, so like 100 people were out here! But you still are able to find solitude. We came across 3 snakes, an owl, and a marmot. Easy trek, not very hilly at all. Good for first time backpackers. The area can be explored in a day. I found this site useful: https://www.theoutbound.com/washington/backpacking/ancient-lakes-day-hike-or-backpack

It's not the landscape, the wildlife, the trails or the views. It's the people. Most are…read moreperfectly fine and are out there to camp, hike, and fish for the sake of the activities. However, there is a percentage that is there because it's free and remote while still being accessible to a town where they can get their drug of choice. You'll recognize them by the ancient, filthy, motorhomes. My son was hiking with his girlfriend when they were approached by one of these "campers" who asked if they had any fentanyl to sell! Wow! Is there no where to escape this scrounge? Anywhere?