Wine Tastings & Orchard Strolls in Yakima
Tips on renting in Yakima
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Discover Yakima, Washington, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Yakima Valley, where families can embark on memorable adventures together. Wander through the 46-acre Yakima Area Arboretum, home to more than 1,000 plant species, and enjoy picturesque trails and interactive exhibits that delight visitors of every age. Step into the Yakima Valley Museum for a taste of local history, where engaging displays and a charming soda fountain bring the region’s heritage to life.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in Yakima’s varied landscapes. The expansive Yakima Sportsman State Park, set along the Yakima River, invites families to camp, hike, and birdwatch across its 266 acres. The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy boasts over 30 miles of trails winding through sagebrush, meadows, and oak woodlands—ideal for family hikes. For a truly special outing, take a scenic float with Rill Adventures, offering rafts, tubes, and kayaks for a leisurely journey down the Yakima River Canyon.
Yakima’s warm community spirit is evident in its beloved local favorites and hidden treasures. Experience the tradition of Johnson’s Orchards, a family-owned farm since 1904, where you can enjoy fresh fruit and homemade baked treats that capture the essence of the valley. The Yakima Family Fun Center features go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games, ensuring hours of entertainment for everyone. With more than 200 miles of kid-friendly hiking and biking trails, Yakima invites your family to create lasting memories in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Yakima has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit the Yakima Valley Museum, plan your trip between Tuesday and Saturday, when the museum is open from 10am to 5pm. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $5 for children ages 5-18, and free for children under 5. Be sure to explore the museum’s extensive exhibits, including the historic H. M. Gilbert Homeplace and the nostalgic Museum Soda Fountain, for a comprehensive and engaging look into the region’s rich history and culture.
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For a seamless and scenic boat launch experience in the Yakima River Canyon, head to the Bighorn recreation site, which features a boat launch, campground, and stunning river frontage. This site, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is one of the most popular access points and offers ample parking for a nominal fee. It’s ideal for launches year-round, but September and October are particularly appealing with warmer water and lower river flows.
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Dogs are welcome on several hiking trails in Yakima, Washington. At the Cowiche Canyon Trail, dogs can accompany you as you hike and cross the creek via numerous bridges, with the requirement that they be under voice control or leashed in busy areas. The Yakima Skyline Trail and Umtanum Creek Canyon also allow dogs, while the Norm and Nellie Byrd Off-Leash Dog Park offers a dedicated space for off-leash fun. However, it’s important to note that some trails, like those in the Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve, do not permit dogs.
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For breathtaking scenic views in Yakima Valley, hike the Cowiche Canyon trails, which offer 20 miles of diverse paths meandering through and above the canyon, adorned with wildflowers in spring and vibrant autumn leaves. Another standout is the Umtanum Creek Canyon trail, a 6.5-mile round trip with an easy to moderate difficulty, featuring a suspension bridge over the Yakima River and stunning river views, best enjoyed from February to May with a $5 public parking fee. The Ahtanum State Forest’s Whites Ridge trail is also a must, a 10.9-mile roundtrip loop with significant elevation gain, offering panoramic views of the Yakima Valley and Mount Adams.
