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River Recreation
Yakima Canyon
The pleasures and beauty of the Yakima Canyon Road, Washington 821, connecting Interstate 90 and
Interstate 82 are breathtaking. This canyon has been designated as a state scenic route and offers
excellent wildlife viewing, fishing, family river rafting and camping. Follow the meandering river, as it
sometimes slices between basalt cliffs formed by centuries-old upheavals. It's thought that the Yakima
River predates those stony ramparts, once flowing across a relatively flat landscape. As rock ridges
raised, river erosion equaled the uplift, cutting a steep, narrow gorge. As you drift, drive or bicycle
past you can see the basalt layers in valley walls which once formed part of one of the largest lava
fields in the world, said to have covered over 200,000 square miles in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
The canyon provided food for Native tribes who camped and fished along the river. Settlers followed,
building cabins wherever flat land and soil would allow. Early on, the canyon's wilderness value was
recognized and state and federal agencies began to gather land. Though privately-held land does remain, 4,000 acres of federal land are preserved offering an almost untouched feeling throughout the entire
corridor.
West of the river, the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area comprises 103,000 acres administered by the State
Department of Fish and Wildlife. Access from the Yakima Canyon Road by a footbridge at Umtanum Creek,
creates a wonderful playground for hikers, photographers, anglers and hunters.
Wildlife Viewing
The canyon attracts bald eagles, especially in winter. Their populations seem to be increasing. Twenty-one
raptor species have been recorded. Bird watchers appreciate the many mini-climates and vegetation types
that foster a variety of species found here. A long list of wildlife are seen in the area including river
otters, coyotes, cougars, elk, bear, deer, and approximately two hundred bighorn sheep.
Water Recreation
The beauty and serenity of the magnificent canyon are enjoyed by recreationists as well. During the
summer months the Yakima River becomes a gentle 11-mile float downstream. Motorized watercraft are
prohibited on most of the river, offering a relaxing float. Motorized vehicles are allowed between the
Roza Recreational Site and Roza Dam, which controls irrigation for 72,000 irrigated acres downstream.
Fly-fishing
Fly-fishing is one of the fastest growing activities on the Yakima River, otherwise known as the place to
“chase rainbows.” The Yakima River is a classic western trout stream in every sense. The
riffles and pools provide great places for prize rainbows to hide and feed. Anglers must release all trout
on this river, and are restricted to artificial flies or lures with a barbless hook. The Yakima River is
what anglers in Washington State call a “blue-ribbon” trout stream — the best in the
state. The prime periods for fishing the Yakima River are spring, when flows are highly variable but a
wide variety of insect hatches provide excellent angling, and fall, September to November. There are many
outfitters who provide guided outings on the River. If you are a first-time angler to this fantastic
river, you may want to contact a professional guide service to take you out. Regardless of when you plan
to come, bear in mind that you may spend more time chasing rainbows than catching them. If the tranquil
and leisurely water trips are not for you, don't despair. The Yakima Valley is home to one of the state's
top white water rafting trips during the fall.
White-water Rafting
The Yakima Valley's Flip Flop, an annual event designed to fully utilize one of the valley's most precious
resources, turns the Tieton River into a rafter's dream each year during the month of September. White
water enthusiasts come from all around the Northwest each fall to experience this rafter's paradise. The
river is a fast-paced intermediate run that is consistently good due to the dam release. A torrent of
water is released from Rimrock Lake down to the Tieton River and into the Naches River to serve irrigation
needs each fall. The release more than doubles the river's normal flow to 2,500 cubic feet per second,
which draws more rafters each year to tackle this white water adventure. Although the primary purpose of
the release is to distribute water for agriculture, it creates one of the state's only white water rafting
locations during the month of September. Booking with an outfitter is recommended due to the pace of the
river. Call early for reservations, as it's the last run of the season, and space fills quickly. White
water rafting isn't the only extreme adventure waiting for thrill seekers. The mountains west of Yakima
offer excellent and ever-popular rock climbing.
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