Top Spots for Summertime Fun on the Water
With the Yakima Valley’s reliably sunny skies come summertime highs and long, leisurely days just made for playing outside. With warmer weather ahead, it’s time to explore the winding waterways and pristine mountain lakes all around the valley.
Whether you like to fish, float or paddle, a short drive from Yakima leads to refreshing summertime adventures in every direction. Float or paddle Yakima Valley rivers, enjoy stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for beginners and experts alike or fish pristine lakes and discover Washington’s only blue ribbon trout stream. Located on the “dry side” of the Cascade Mountains, enjoy getting out on the water from now until well into fall.
Yakima River Canyon
The Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination for all types of fun on the water, from paddling and floating to fishing, whether you wade or drift. Along the way, you’ll likely be treated to sights of abundant wildlife, from big horn sheep, mule deer and elk to more than 21 species of raptors, countless songbirds and even bobcats and river otters.
Canyon River Ranch is a premier riverside resort with beautifully appointed condominium-style accommodations, a pool and a half mile of private riverfront space to enjoy, along with the delicious offerings from the Canyon River Grill, headed by acclaimed chef, Kevin Davis. Altogether, they create the ideal Northwest river escape.
Yakima River Fly Fishing
The Yakima River is Washington’s only blue ribbon trout stream, making it a haven for Pacific Northwest fly fishing. In fact, it was recently named one of the top three fly fishing rivers in the U.S. in the USA Today 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Red’s Fly Shop, located at the beautiful Canyon River Ranch is your source for fly fishing gear and expert-led guided trips and classes. Be sure to check out Red’s University of Fly Fishing classes for anglers of all levels.
Outdoor guide extraordinaire, Shannon Mahre of Girls with Grit has partnered with Red’s as a coach for their Women’s Fly Fishing Collective. From intro to fly fishing on the Yakima River, to more advanced experiences on the Naches River and other area waterways, the Collective is dedicated to helping women learn fly fishing skills, gain confidence and build community.
The best time to catch fish on the Yakima is May through end of August, so now’s the time to book your fishing adventure.
Float, Paddle and Cruise the Yakima River
For those who prefer floating to fishing, the Yakima River provides a perfect, leisurely trip downstream whether on raft, tube or paddle board, with the dramatic canyon cliffs rising on both sides of the river.
Most folks tend to put in at Umtanum Recreation Area for a float. Plan to get out at Roza Recreation Area boat launch and have a vehicle waiting there. The float takes about 3 1/2 hours, just perfect for a leisurely summer afternoon. If you’re not using your own gear, Rill Adventures is your resource for all you need to enjoy a Yakima River float or paddle. Check out a variety of three- to four-hour trips on their website and reserve your raft, tube, kayak or paddle board. Look for the Lower Yakima River options on their website.
Now in the fourth year, Canyon River Ranch’s Yakima River Canyon Cruise has become a popular tradition. Meet your guide at Red’s Fly Shop and enjoy a two- to three-hour scenic float through the canyon in a comfortable raft complete with a shade canopy, comfy seats and tables for your favorite snacks and beverages. In addition to identifying local wildlife and fauna, guests will learn about the formation of this spectacular recreation area.
In addition to fly fishing coaching, Shannon Mahre and Girls with Grit also offers an array of scheduled SUP clinics and private group classes on the Yakima River. Check out Intro to River SUP clinics or create a unique, private experience with Shannon for your group.
If you’re looking for a safe swimming spot on the river, visit The Roza Recreation Area in the Yakima River Canyon. Complete with picnic tables and restrooms nearby, it’s a popular destination for cooling off on hot summer afternoons
Rimrock Lake
Rimrock Lake, with its expansive, clear blue waters surrounded by alpine forests and mountain peaks, is the perfect place to cool off on summer days. Just 40 minutes from downtown Yakima, it’s an ideal escape with quick drive along the White Pass Scenic Byway (Highway 12). At an elevation of 2,926 feet, you can feel the temperature drop as you ascend. This unique lake is just made for explorations by kayak, canoe or paddle board. Motorized craft are permitted on Rimrock Lake as well.
Where to go on Rimrock Lake?
Silver Beach Resort features a day use area with sandy beach access, camping, cabins, motel rooms, a designated swimming area, a boat launch, a convenience store and a small restaurant. The beach area is shallow quite far out during portions of the summer, making it a great place for SUP beginners. You’ll even find a small island a short distance offshore to paddle out to.
Peninsula Campground is a popular place for dispersed camping. Nestled into a lovely cove, it accommodates RVs or tents and group camping on the eastern shore of Rimrock Lake near a boat launch. Enjoy several walking trails nearby. Kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders can head to a small island across the cove.
Horseshoe Cove is a popular day use area on Highway 12 with a boat launch for easy access putting in your kayak or canoe. It also offers picnic sites.
Clear Lake
Just to the west of Rimrock Lake, you’ll find Clear Lake, a beautiful, much smaller lake with a small island off Highway 12. At the day use site, enjoy a small dock and picnic area with restrooms on the south side of the lake. With only non-motorized vessels permitted, Clear Lake is a lovely, peaceful place to explore by kayak, canoe or paddle board. If you’re just learning SUP, enjoy a great shallow area in small cove next to boat launch. There are two campgrounds nearby and the fishing season is open year-round and it’s stocked regularly with rainbow trout.
Bumping Lake
Another stunning mountain lake, Bumping Lake is located off Highway 410 along the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway. This lake was created naturally by glaciers and is fed by snowmelt. Surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, wetlands and old-growth conifer forests, you’ll find campgrounds, day use parking and a boat launch. This is a great lake for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and SUP with picnic tables and fire pits along the south lake shore.
The crystal clear Bumping Lake is at an elevation of more than 3,400 feet, with a year-round open fishing season. Good fishing for six- to nine-inch Kokanee starts in mid-May and there is a limit of 16 fish. Rainbow and Cutthroat are also caught. You can enjoy fishing on the Bumping River below the lake following selective gear rules.
Naches River
Another of the Valley’s distinct recreational rivers, The Naches River is located adjacent to Highway 410, along the Chinook Scenic Byway. The Bumping River and the Little Naches River feed into the larger Naches River. Put in at Sawmill Flats Campground to float this class 2 or 3 river.
Tieton River
Well-known by most white water lovers, the Tieton River runs east from Rimrock Lake along Highway 12. The month of September is the best time for experienced kayakers, white water rafters and paddle boarders looking for extreme whitewater rafting and paddle boarding! The annual Tieton River flip-flop is a one-time-a-year experience when you can enjoy the thrill of the fastest whitewater in Washington State! For one short month every September, the Tieton River becomes a wild ride on Class 3 rapids, dropping 55 feet of elevation each mile! This special time of year happens when the water flowing out of the Rimrock Reservoir is increased, dramatically affecting the flow of the Tieton River, turning it into one of the best whitewater rafting areas in all of Washington! Since the water has been warmed in Rimrock Lake all summer, this is also some of the warmest whitewater rafting in the state.
*Excerpts on fishing from WDFW, visit WDFW webpage for complete rules.
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