Archive for March, 2012

A Country Drive to Naches, WA

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Orchard blossoms in the spring and apples in the fall, plus sweet cherries, apricots, pears and peaches in season. Vineyards grown in the bio-dynamic manner and organic wine. This 29-mile circle driving tour (great bicycle or motorcycle ride) takes a little over an hour, starting at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, then circling through Naches Heights to the City of Naches, returning via the Old Naches Highway to Downtown Yakima. This tour is popular in apple blossom and harvest time, as well as the excellent vistas of the area at any time of the year.
Starting at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center at 101 North Fair Avenue:

  • Turn right out of the parking lot onto Fair Avenue, which becomes Lincoln Avenue, a one way street, continue on this route all the way to 40th Avenue.
  • Turn right at 40th Avenue, proceeding about 1.2 miles.
  • Turn left onto West Powerhouse Road and proceed on this road west for about 2.4 miles.
  • Turn left up the Naches Heights Road.
This route sends you up on top of the “Heights”, passing through one of the largest fruit growing areas and a newly designated in January of 2012, American Viticulture Area, Naches Heights, in the Yakima Valley.  As you climb the steep  Naches Heights road you will look out and across the Cowiche Canyon to the south and the Naches Valley to the north.  After a short drive, located at the left side of Naches Heights Road is Ehler Road, leading to Wines of Washington-Yakima. This is a tasting room for Wilridge wines,  in a 100 year old country house. Taste wine from biodynamic vineyards on the porch and enjoy the view. Naches Heights Winery will open their new tasting room for Spring Barrel Tasting in 2012. The new winery is within walking distance of Wines of Washington-Yakima.
  • At 5 miles, continue straight after stop sign on the Naches Heights Road.
  • Traveling 6.2 miles further, at the stop sign, turn right onto the Naches-Tieton road to begin the steep drop down into the valley below. Looking north across the valley to the lower hills, you will discover the many layers of sedimentary material resulting from the time when this area was under water.  Mt. Cleman rises to almost 5,000 feet elevation to the northwest of the town of Naches.
  • Naches Grade  joins the Naches-Tieton Road. Bear to the left and continue across the Naches River to the City of Naches and the junction with Highway 12.
Naches was first settled in 1853 by members of the Longmire Wagon Train that opted to stay in the milder climate on this side of the cascades, starting orchards and raising dairy cows and cattle.  1.  Turn left at this intersection and you can visit the unique La Kat Gallery.
In May of 2006, after 50 year of operation, Layman Lumber Company ceased production. The management team and several key employees remained to retool the old mill into a woodshop, retraining the mill workers. The result was LaKat, a photo and crafts gallery featuring the skills of our talented craftsmen. All photographs are printed at Layman Lumber Studios and all frames are made from wood produced at the mill before it was closed. With few exceptions, the handicrafts use Layman Lumber wood. A testament to the commitment of the Naches business owner to their employees. The Naches Ranger Station, on the right side of Highway 12, is a short drive further on. There you will find information on the Okanogan and Wenatchee forests trails, camping, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, off road ORV trails and wilderness area information.
2.  Turning right at the intersection, Thompson Farm Market will be on the right side of the road, offering local farm fresh produce, wine tasting, cider, jams and gifts. Visit their old fashioned soda fountain in the country store.
3. Proceeding straight through the intersection, you can visit the renovated Naches Train
Depot, the visitor information center for the town of Naches. The office of the Chamber of Commerceis located in the depot and is staffed by volunteers. The complex includes public restrooms and outdoor eating areas.

There is also an Art Deco historic gas station in the park near the restored depot.

Turn left onto Shafer Avenue, about.3 miles. Follow this for .3 mile, and then turn right onto the Old Naches Highway. Prior to 1935, this was part of the old route from Yakima over Chinook Pass to the west side of the state. Note the close-up view of the sedimentary layers you saw from the top of Naches Grade, on your right you will overlook many miles of fruit orchards, as well as views up to Naches Heights. The Thompson Family Farm is on this road offering U-pick opportunities in season featuring a pumpkin canon in the fall.

Continue on the Old Naches Highway from about 9.5 miles to a stop sign with its intersection with Highway 12. Turn left onto Hwy. 12.(bicyclists may perfer to go straight at this interesection, to connect with Powerhouse Road again.) As you proceed south and east, you may take the 40th Avenue exit, turning right and continuing to Summitview Avenue, returning the way you came. Or, you may continue on the freeway, bypassing the 40th Avenue exit, merge into the I-82 freeway, and take the Yakima Avenue exit 33B to return to downtown Yakima.

Bicycling to Naches, WA:

Bike Ride in Yakima Valley: Yakima to Naches. More Info.
Bicycle the 10 mile Yakima Greenway from Yakima Hotels.  More Info.

Preparations for your ride Yakima Valley: Goat heads a low-growing weed with 2 sharp thorns that puncture bike tires. Use thorn proof tires, plastic thorn shields or bring extra tube and bicycle tire slime.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.


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Spring Bicycle Touring in Washington Wine Country

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Cycling over rolling hills on scenic country roads, past fruit orchards in full bloom with acres of pink and white blossoms, during spring is a spectacular ride.  The  sun is shining, the weather is warm as you ride past vineyards,  peach, pear and apple trees as well as acres of hops.  Stop and taste the wines of the Yakima Valley. Choose a short (1), medium (a) or long (b) bike ride.

(1)Short Ride approximately 4 miles Two Mountain Winery is your starting point, allowing riders to park and unload bicycles at the winery. Want to get an early start? No problem! You do not have to wait for the winery to open, just park and go.
Two Mountain Winery: Established in 2002, this is a family-owned winery nestled in the Rattlesnake Hills within the Yakima Valley wine region of Washington State. Brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn own and operate the winery and estate vineyard, drawing on the experience of three generations who have farmed the rich soil of the Yakima Valley.

As you leave Two Mountain Winery turn to the right on Cheyne Road then left onto Gilbert Road. Hyatt Winery will be on your left.
Hyatt Vineyards was established by Leland and Lynda Hyatt in 1983. Evolving from a modest estate vineyard surrounding the winery, Hyatt Vineyards has grown to 180 acres in four separate sites all within 3 miles of the original plantings.
From Hyatt continue on Gilbert Road, turn left onto Bonair Road, Wineglass cellars will be on your right.
Wineglass Cellars: Owners David and Linda Lowe, with son Jeff, say Wineglass Cellars is as much about having fun as it is about selling wine. A visit to the winery shows you what they mean. Stop by to make a friend and drink their award winning wine.
Tanjuli Winery: Yakima Valley’s newest winery building. The winemaker/owner, Tom Campbell brings 30 years of fine winemaking experience to the valley.
At intersection of Bonair Road and Highland go straight to visit Bonair Winery or turn left to continue on.
Bonair Winery (unpaved road): Bonair Winery farms 40 acres of estate vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills of the Yakima Valley to ensure the quality grapes that make their wine. You pass the Morrison Vineyards on the way to The Château Puryear Vineyard and winery. Sit by their duck pond, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the day.
Leaving Bonair, turn right onto Highland. The short ride (1) proceeds along Highland to turn left at Cheyne, and return to Two Mountain winery.

…(a)Medium Ride approximately 12 Miles. Continuing along Highland, you will see 3 wineries. (for longest ride skip to (b)
Christopher Cellars: Abundant sunshine, late summer heat, the ability to apply just the right amount of water at the right time, all contribute to producing the perfect wine grape. Winemakers from around the state seek out grapes from the Zillah area.

Cultura Cellars: Handcrafted limited edition premium w. ines from the Yakima Valley in Zillah, Washington Fine wines can only be achieved by personally controlling the whole process from planting the vines, aging in French oak barrels, to bottling!
Paradisos del Sol:”Wine should be very pure and natural. The only thing synthetic about our wine is the plastic cork, so you never have to worry about getting a “corked” wine. We drink more of our wine than anyone else; we want it to be healthful and nutritious. We guarantee our wine. BUT . . . it has to be distinctive wine. Wine with full, rich flavor, Wine that makes food and friends better. Wine that makes music in the glass sings on the tongue to tell where it grew. Wine you can afford to drink. Wine made by Paradisos del Sol.”
Turn left on Vintage road and follow the upward slope to Silver Lake Winery.
Silver Lake Winery released its first vintage in the fall of 1989. In the past fifteen years the winery has grown from 2,000 cases to more than 50,000 cases of hand crafted wine annually. The winery began as the outgrowth of the passion for fine wines shared by three professors at the University of Washington and a local real estate investor. Today, Silver Lake is owned by over 1,200 wine enthusiasts who have pooled their resources together to make Silver Lake one of the state’s largest locally owned wineries. Roza Hills Vineyard, Silver Lake’s primary source of grapes, are located In Zillah, Washington, in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.
Return back the same way to turn right on Highland. Turn right onto Roza Hill Drive passing Agate Field Winery turning left onto Gilbert Road and then left onto Cheyne and back to Two Mountain Winery.
…(b)Longest Ride (approximately 25 miles): Continue along Highland Turn right on Cheyne Road, left on the Yakima Valley Highway, left onto East Zillah Drive will bring you past Horizons Edge Winery.
Horizon’s Edge Winery sits among the winery’s 18-acre vineyard with panoramic views from the tasting room which include Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier.
Leaving Horizons Edge, turn left onto Beam and continue to work left on Houghton Road to Highland Drive.
Portteus Winery (unpaved road): Red-wine lovers’ destination for over 20 years! Now with indoor plumbing! Red Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Malbec, a Cabernet Port, and Chardonnay! Portteus Vineyards, established in 1981, is one of Washington’s only 100% Estate-bottled wineries and has recently been recognized as “One of America’s Great Cabernet Producers” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Take Vintage out to Silver Lake Winery. Return back the same way to Highland and turn right onto Roza Hill Drive passing Agate Field Vineyard.
Agate Field: A small family owned and operated vineyard and winery located on a hill overlooking Whiskey Canyon where the soil is optimal for growing wine grapes. The volcanic soil and the lay of the land make the perfect location for the best growing conditions. The fields are full of beautiful agates rich in color and clarity. The same is true of the wines produced from Agate Field Vineyards.
Leaving Agate Field turn right onto Roza Hill Drive turning left onto Gilbert and then left onto Cheyne and back to Two Mountain Winery.

Biking events and info:
Your Canyon For A Day! Bike Tour: The Yakima River Canyon is shut down to traffic for this family friendly event. Bike the Yakima River Canyon, a 35 mile Round trip the third weekend in May.
Apple Valley Kiwanis Wine Country Trek. A 2 day 120 miles of rolling hills, from Moxee, WA to Prosser, WA.  Riders arrive in Prosser just in time to participate in Prosser’s Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Harvest Festival in Prosser. Event in late September More info.
Bike Ride in Yakima Valley: Yakima to Naches.  More Info.
Bicycle the 10 mile Yakima Greenway from Yakima Hotels.  More Info.

Preparations for your ride Yakima Valley: Goat heads a low-growing weed with 2 sharp thorns that puncture bike tires. Use thorn proof tires, plastic thorn shields or bring extra tube and bicycle tire slime.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.


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Rock Climbing: The Royal Columns

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

The Royal Columns are impressive volcanic columns of the Tieton lava flow. Located on the White Pass Scenic Byway,(mp 183.5) these vertical columns and other climbing locations along the Tieton River, offer 400 routes on 21 different formations over andesitic rock crags. This location is conveniently 15 minutes west of the city of Naches and 30 minutes from Yakima. To reach the Royal Columns, drive 3 miles on Hwy 12, west of the junction of Hwy 12 and Hwy. 410 to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. The Tieton Nature Trail is located across the road from Oak Creek, and the columns are located just off this trail.

The Royal Columns may be seasonally closed for nesting raptors from February 1 to April 1 each year; if an active nest is near a crag, climbing may not be allowed until July 1.(for current  Information call (509) 653-2390).  Located on land administered by The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, a vehicle access permit is required to park at the Royal Columns ($10/year).

Camping is available in the area at the Windy Point Campground, which is the closest campground to the columns. There are many other campgrounds along Hwy 12.

For more technical information on the Royal Columns Climb:

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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Let’s Go Fishing!

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Enjoy fishing close to the city of Yakima, where there are four ponds, stocked regularly with catch-able rainbow and brown trout, Myron Lake, Rotary Lake, Reflection Pond at Sarg Hubbard Park, and Freeway Lake.  These lakes and ponds are located along the Yakima River Greenway, a 10 mile paved walking path adjacent to the Yakima River and Naches River.  Every year, at the end of April, the Yakima Greenway Foundation hosts a Kids Fish-In at Sarg Hubbard Parks’ Reflection Pond. This is a fun and educational day for children 5 to 14 years, with instruction on water safety and fishing lessons. The 2012 date for this event is April 28. The first 1000 to register receive a free t-shirt, rod, reel, and bait.

The Yakima River Canyon, north of Yakima on Highway 821, is known for its premier Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing. Expect exceptional March fly fishing because of the Skwala Stonefly hatch.  Stay at the Canyon River Ranch, in the heart of the scenic  Yakima River Canyon,  take advantage of their 1/2 day or full day guided fly fishing trips. Want to float down the scenic river or plan a fishing trip with your friends?  Raft rentals and fishing guides are available from Rills Adventures.

At the intersection of Highway 12 and Highway 410 the Tieton and Naches Rivers meet and continue as the Naches River  meeting the Yakima River north of the city of Yakima, from there, the Yakima River flows through the Yakima Valley into the Columbia River.

Myron Lake:
The lake is located by taking the 40th Ave. exit off of Highway 12 and turning left (east) on Fruitvale Boulevard go .2 miles and turn left on a gravel driveway, cross railroad tracks to parking lot. Fishing is expected to be good for planted, catch-able rainbow and brown trout. Selective fishery regulations are in effect. Year-round season. (Latitude: 46.62222: Longitude: -120.55417)

Rotary Lake:
This 23 acre lake is located along the Greenway Trail in Yakima. Travel north on 1st St., turn right on “R” Street and drive .5 miles, turn left at Coke entrance. Follow gravel road under I-82 to parking lot. This lake is stocked with catch-able rainbow and brown trout. Trout are between 8 and 12 inches. Large-mouth bass up to 7 pounds have been caught. Rotary provides good fishing opportunity spring through fall. Year-round open season with disabled accessibility. (Latitude: 46.6282 Longitude: -120.5090)

Reflection Pond at Sarg Hubbard Park:
The lake is located off I-82. Take exit 33 travel east on Terrace Heights Drive. Exit right on 18th Street continue south to parking lot, and follow path to pond. This small 3.5 acre pond features disabled accessibility and is located near the Greenway Trail at Sarg Hubbard Park in Yakima.  Open year-round only to juveniles and holders of disability licenses. It is regularly stocked with catch-able-size rainbow trout and fingerling channel catfish. This is the location of the Kids Fish-In.

Freeway Lake:
The lake is located one mile north of Yakima on I-82. Take Exit 30 to Rest Haven Rd. parking lot or north on 1st St., turn right on “R” Street and drive .5 miles, turn left at Coke entrance. Follow gravel road under I-82 to parking lot. There is a short hike to this lake which holds rainbow and brown trout, large-mouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish.

Wenas Lake is 12 miles from the city of Yakima. There is camping available at the lake.

Wenas Lake:
The lake is located by taking Highway 823 from Yakima north through Selah, WA to Wenas Road, turn left, and follow it northwest for 12 miles to the lake.
This is a 61 acre lake created by damming Wenas Creek, it holds rainbow, brown trout and channel catfish. There is public access. (Latitude: 46.820, Longitude: -120.680)

I-82 Ponds:
South of the city of Yakima, along the freeway are the seven  I-82 ponds in the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area. Some of these ponds are man made, others are natural.

Other Fishing Information:

Map showing ponds and lakes in area.

Access to Yakima River Greenway from Hotels

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Yakima County water access sites.

Areas for Lake,Pond,River Fishing at Naches Ranger District include Bumping Lake , Clear Lake, Dog Lake, Rimrock Lake, Leech Lake, Tieton River, Naches River.

Washington Deptment of Fish and Wildlife South Central Trout Stocking for 2012

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2012 freshwater fishing regulations, guides, tips.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

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