With warmer days on the way, it\u2019s time to take a road trip or two! What better way to watch the seasons change in our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest, taking in everything from spring wildflowers and orchards in bloom to stunning fall colors. Make Yakima your perfect home base for scenic daytrips across a dramatic and diverse mix of Washington State terrain. Yakima\u2019s central location, right in the middle of it all, makes it easy to explore stunning portions of six state and national scenic byways. Choose from Mt. Rainier, Yakima Valley Wine Country, the Columbia River Gorge and numerous side roads, river canyons and mountain passes \u2013 all starting from Yakima. After your drive, relax and enjoy just-picked, farm-fresh produce<\/a>, festivals<\/a>, delicious dining<\/a>, craft beer<\/a> and wine tasting.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Add a\nfew of these six scenic day trips to your calendar this spring, summer and\nfall. We\u2019ve put together the perfect routes, complete with stops along the way\nfor great food and more things to see and do. Approximate miles and times are\nprovided with Yakima as the starting and ending point for each route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ride spans two Washington State scenic byways. Chinook Pass is the higher elevation pass with an iconic view of Mt Rainier with Lake Tipsoo in the forefront. You\u2019ll find a rest area, picnic tables and short hikes at the top of pass. The stunning drive continues with switchbacks to Cayuse Pass, a tunnel and forested drive to White Pass. Enjoy the beauty of the White Pass Scenic Byway through lush forests and along Rimrock Lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route:<\/strong> Yakima \u2192 Highway 12 W \u2192 Naches \u2192 Chinook Pass All American Road Highway\n410 \u2192\nCayuse Pass Highway 123 S \u2192 The White Pass National Scenic Byway Highway 12 E \u2192 Yakima. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance:<\/strong> 151 miles <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time:<\/strong> 3 hours, 18 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops: <\/strong>Stop by Whistlin\u2019 Jack\u2019s Outpost Lodge<\/a> on Highway 410 for a casual, riverside lunch or linger or steak and seafood for dinner. Visit Bron Yr Aur Brewing<\/a> along Highway 12 heading back to Yakima for wood-fired pizza and award-winning craft beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone\nloves a visit to Paradise, the staging area for those who want to summit Mt. Rainier\nor simply hike the scenic trails and visit the Historic Paradise Inn. This drive\ngoes though Mt. Rainier National Park, from east to west with multiple opportunities\nfor scenic stops along the winding Stevens Canyon Road. Enjoy old growth forest,\nwaterfalls and short hikes at Paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route:<\/strong> Yakima \u2192 Highway 12 W \u2192 Naches \u2192 White Pass National Scenic Byway Highway\n12 W \u2192 Cayuse\nPass Highway 123 N \u2192 Paradise on Mt. Rainier \u2192 Ashford \u2192 Elbe \u2192 Morton \u2192 White Pass National Scenic Byway Highway\n12 E \u2192\nYakima<\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance:<\/strong> 247 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time:<\/strong> 5 hours, 21minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops:<\/strong> Grab a snack or lunch at the Paradise Inn dining room or caf\u00e9 and be sure to visit the Paradise Visitor Center and Longmire Museum. On the way back to Yakima, stop in in the town of Naches for Northwest flavors at D’Nile Tap House<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternate Route: Yakima <\/em>\u2192 Highway\n12 W <\/em>\u2192 Naches <\/em>\u2192\nChinook Pass Highway 410 <\/em>\u2192 Cayuse Pass Highway\n123 S <\/em>\u2192 Paradise on Mt. Rainier <\/em>\u2192\nAshford <\/em>\u2192 Elbe <\/em>\u2192\nMorton <\/em>\u2192 White Pass National Scenic Byway Highway\n12 E <\/em>\u2192 Yakima<\/em>.\n<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance: 257 miles. Drive Time: 5\nhours, 46 minutes. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This route takes you through the heart of Yakima Valley Wine Country<\/a> and you\u2019ll find countless opportunities to take small side trips to wineries. Along the route, enjoy sweeping views of orchards, vineyards and hops fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route:<\/strong> Yakima I-82 E \u2192 Exit 40 Yakima Valley Highway \u2192 Sunnyside \u2192 Prosser \u2192 back on Highway 22 which changes into Highway\n97 \u2192 Toppenish\n\u2192 Yakima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance: <\/strong>105 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time: <\/strong>2 hours, 15 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops:<\/strong> A few favorite stops include Treveri Cellars<\/a> for small plates, sparkling wine, and great views, Hop Town Wood Fired \u00a0Pizza<\/a> and Rattlesnake Hill AVA wineries<\/a>. Stop by Varietal Beer Co<\/a>. in Sunnyside for rotating food trucks and innovative, award-winning craft beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On this ride you\u2019ll pass through hop fields in one of the most important hop growing regions in the world on Highway 22 before you continue on to Horse Heaven Hills where you\u2019ll be on the edge between grasslands and forest lands. Bickleton is known for its bluebird population and historic Carousel Museum. Satus Pass is on the Yakama Reservation and you may glimpse some of the wild horses who call it home as you go from forest to high desert terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route:<\/strong> Yakima I-82 E \u2192\nExit 37 to Hwy 97S \u2192 Changes into Highway 22 \u2192 Mabton \u2192 Bickleton \u2192 Goldendale \u2192 Satus Pass Highway 97 \u2192Toppenish \u2192 Yakima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops:<\/strong> Blue Bird Inn in Bickleton, WA, is the state\u2019s oldest continually operating tavern. Pick up yummy pastries at St. John Monastery espresso and Greek cuisine on Satus Pass. In Toppenish, tour the western-themed murals<\/a> and visit the Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Center<\/a> and Legends Casino<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance:<\/strong> 172 miles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time: <\/strong>3 hours, 30 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nYakima River Canyon follows the Yakima River between Yakima and Ellensburg\nwhere canyon walls rise to 2,000 feet above the river. Eagles, other raptors, deer,\nelk and even bighorn sheep and river otters can be spotted along the Yakima\nRiver, renowned for the state\u2019s only blue ribbon fly fishing. On the return\nride, you\u2019ll see acres of undeveloped high desert scenery and part of the\nYakima Training Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route: <\/strong>Yakima \u2192 I-82 W \u2192 Exit 26 to Yakima River Canyon Scenic\nByway Highway 821\u2192 Ellensburg \u2192 I-82 E \u2192Yakima. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance: <\/strong>72 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time: <\/strong>1 hour, 30 minutes <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops:<\/strong> Canyon River Grill<\/a> in the Yakima River Canyon is a must-stop location for both the spectacular views and the exceptional, handcrafted cuisine. If you have time, schedule a guided fly fishing trip on the river with Red\u2019s Fly Shop<\/a> or book seats on the river cruise with Canyon River Ranch<\/a>. (All three are located in the same location along the Yakima River.) In Ellensburg, check out Gard Vintners<\/a> and then make a stop at Precision Fruit and Antiques for one-of-a-kind finds and fresh, seasonal produce. The Yakima Valley\u2019s newest brewery and restaurant, The Outskirts Brewing Co.<\/a>, is a perfect spot to end the day on the patio and expansive Creekside lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternate Route: Yakima <\/em>\u2192\nI-82 W <\/em>\u2192 Exit 26 to Yakima\nRiver Canyon Scenic Byway Highway 821<\/em>\u2192\nEllensburg <\/em>\u2192 E University Way Ellensburg <\/em>\u2192\nE. Vantage Highway <\/em>\u2192 Vantage over\nColumbia River Bridge on I-90 E<\/em> \u2192\nHighway 243 S <\/em>\u2192 Highway 24 W over Columbia River <\/em>\u2192\nYakima. Distance: 142 miles. Drive Time: 2 hours, 53 minutes. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This loop takes you through Yakima Valley Wine Country<\/a> to Horse Heaven Hills where 25% of Washington wine grapes are grown on the large plateau. Drive down along the Columbia River, up to Goldendale where the hills are dotted with wind machines and you enjoy views of Mount Hood and golden wheat fields Continue along Satus Pass\/Yakama Nation Scenic Byway on reservation land.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Route: <\/strong>Yakima I-82 E \u2192 Exit 40 Yakima Valley Highway \u2192 Prosser \u2192 Highway 821 Patterson \u2192\nHighway 14 \u2192 Highway 97 N \u2192 Goldendale \u2192\nSatus Pass Highway\n97\u2192 Toppenish\n\u2192\nYakima. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Distance: <\/strong>225 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive Time: <\/strong>4 hours, 15 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Stops:<\/strong> In Prosser, visit Vintners Village and other area wineries<\/a>. Along Highway 14, Maryhill Museum is a wonderful stop, as is Maryhill Winery.<\/a> Back in Yakima make a stop at the third largest independent craft brewery in the state, Bale Breaker Brewing Company<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Time for a trip for vineyard views, mountain vistas and winding waterways With warmer days on the way, it\u2019s time to take a road trip or two! What better way to watch the seasons change in our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest, taking in everything from spring wildflowers and orchards in bloom to stunning… View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":945,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-fun","category-outdoor-recreation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27283,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions\/27283"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visityakima.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\n\n\nScenic Pass Loop<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nParadise, Mt Rainier Loop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWine Country Loop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nYakama Nation Scenic Byway <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nYakima River Canyon Loop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nColumbia River Gorge Loop <\/h2>\n\n\n\n