Choose Your Guided Outdoor Adventures! Hike, Bike, Paddle, Float & Fish
What adventures can you find on more than 300 miles of trails, 170 miles of winding rivers and 109 lakes and ponds? Whether you want to hike, bike, ride, climb, fish, float or paddle, discover four seasons of adventure under the Yakima Valley’s reliably sunny skies. From scenic excursions to educational experiences, check out guided adventures on sub-alpine trails, through rugged shrub-steppe landscapes and on rivers renowned for fly fishing and more.
Winding Waterways – Float, Paddle and Fly Fish
The Yakima River Canyon is a stunning backdrop for a day on the water, whether you choose to fish, float or paddle. The portion of the Yakima River that cuts through the basalt cliffs rising on either side is where you’ll find Canyon River Ranch and Red’s Fly Shop, known for their renowned fly fishing programs and, most recently, for their Yakima River Canyon Cruise. Back for the fifth year, this luxury eco cruise has become a favorite Yakima Valley tradition. Comfortable rafts, complete with shade canopies, bench seats with backs and a tabletop for your drinks and snacks, take you on a scenic float to take in the spectacular scenery and learn about the unique geography and wildlife. In addition to bighorn sheep and elk, more than 183 species of birds call the canyon home. In fact, 21 species of raptors can be found in the canyon, including falcons, bald eagles and even nesting golden eagles. You’re welcome to bring your own beverages and food, but don’t forget to make a reservation for lunch at Canyon River Grill for a perfect end to your float.
If you’d prefer to paddle rather than float, Girls with Grit river SUP clinics pack an immersive experience into a full day on the water. With expert guidance for all levels from beginner to expert, coaching team Andy and Shannon Mahre, help you stand up with confidence through stability skills, efficient paddling, flip rescue, water analysis, turning skills, stroke analysis, footwork, rough water skills and moving water vs. still water techniques. The day begins on a private lake and moves on to paddle through the Yakima River Canyon. Take home a swag bag and enjoy lunch and happy hour drinks and bites. Equipment rental is available, as are private experiences.
For a leisurely float or paddle on the Yakima River, book a guided trip with Rill Adventures. Choose from rafting for larger groups, as well as guided kayak and SUP experiences.
Of course, this stretch of the Yakima River is best known for fly fishing. The only blue ribbon river in the state, the Yakima River attracts anglers from around the world for its exceptional trout fishing. Red’s Fly Shop at Canyon River Ranch offers guided, float-style fishing adventures, as well as education. Both full and half-day trips include all the necessary gear if you need it and shuttle service. Full-day trips include lunch. Educational excursions with Red’s expert guides include three-hour fish-alongs, hands-on skills-based experiences and University of Fly Fishing courses from “101” beginner classes to advanced “301” programming. For the younger anglers, check out the three-day youth fly fishing camp, July 22 to 24.
Some of the newest offerings are fly fishing experiences designed just for women on the Yakima, Naches and Tieton rivers. In addition to her river SUP clincs, Shannon Mahre has partnered with Red’s, along with other female instructors, to offer programs designed to build confidence, create community and share the joy of fly fishing in a supportive, welcoming environment. Check out a special two-day fly fishing retreat for women, July 20 and 21 and guided women’s trips.
Guided Rides, Runs and Hikes
From rides through sweeping vineyards and excursions on trails all around the valley, there are plenty of adventures to be found off the water. The folks at Kickstand Tours are ready to take you on an expertly led e-bike wine tasting tour. Their comfortable bikes make for an easy ride through beautiful wine country with at least three Zillah/Rattlesnake Hills, Prosser or Red Mountain winery stops. Each trip takes about five hours and includes a lunch stop (lunch not included in cost) and a support vehicle to follow along and collect your purchases along the way. If you don’t find a pre-scheduled tour that meets your needs, they’re happy to plan private tours for your group. They can curate your tour experience or you can choose your own winery stops.
Cycle Yakima is a new addition to the valley, offering a range of rides from mountains to roadways. Their e-bike tours combine nostalgic fun with modern adventure whether you’re a regular rider or you’re rediscovering the joy of cycling. Guide Kyle Bisconer will work with you to choose the perfect route for your scenic rides that blend outdoor adventure with local history for a unique experience. One of the most popular routes takes you though the unique shrub-steppe landscape of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. Make it a wine tour with a stop for wine tasting and food pairing. They’ll even transport your wine purchases for you! For something special, book an e-bike date night, complete with a picnic.
For a more challenging ride, check out the mountain bike clinics and tours from Girls with Grit with Shannon Mahre. Guided mountain bike tours take you on routes all around the valley to explore local and surrounding trails, scenic shrub-steppe and river landscapes and more. Women’s mountain bike clinics and women’s and co-ed lessons can cover everything from into to advanced explore everything from basic skills, descending, ascending, shifting and braking to cornering, jumping and drops, track stands and more. As local adventure guide extraordinaire, Shannon also offers a range of guided hikes and trail runs. Check out some of Shannon’s top picks for mountain bike rides and picnics on the trail.
For indoor adventures, check out High Steppe Climbing Center, Yakima’s indoor climbing gym. Everyone from beginner to advanced can experience the excitement of climbing on the center’s constantly changing routes. On 7,500 square feet of climbing surface, they offer lead climbing, auto-belay, bouldering and more. All ages and all levels are welcome. Various safety policies and protocols must be followed specific to children younger than four, and up 14.
Categorized in: Family Fun, Outdoor Recreation, Wine Country
