Yakima River Canyon

Overview

Yakima River Canyon is managed by Bureau of Land Management and is located near Yakima, Washington.

The gentle Yakima River winds through rolling desert hills and basalt cliffs, some rising more than 2,000 feet, for 27 miles between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. The canyon offers excellent wildlife watching, fishing for Blue Ribbon trout, family-friendly rafting, and camping. The canyon's crevices and cliffs make a perfect home for the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in the state. The BLM manages over 9,000 acres in the Yakima River Canyon area, and the Yakima River State Scenic Byway provides access to BLM's four developed river access sites including Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza.

Know Before You Go:

Point of Interest:

Located just south of Ellensburg, the non-motorized trails at Ringer Road Trailhead offer visitors glimpses of the wildlife and birds that inhabit the riparian areas next to the Yakima River.

Yakima River Canyon Brochure

Explore Washington Recreation: Yakima River Canyon

Things to Do at Yakima River Canyon

Camping Opportunities

Yakima River Canyon offers 4 campgrounds with various amenities and settings. From developed campgrounds with full facilities to primitive backcountry sites, there are options for every camping style.

Big Pines

Price:
$15 per night
Rating:
4.1 stars (129 reviews)

Roza

Price:
$15 per night
Rating:
5.0 stars (3 reviews)

Umtanum

Price:
$15 per night
Rating:
4.8 stars (5 reviews)

Recreation Activities

Popular activities at Yakima River Canyon include:

Nearby Activities

Plan Your Visit

Reservation Tips

Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination. Campground reservations typically open several months in advance. For peak season visits, book as early as possible. Check individual facility pages for specific booking windows and availability.

Getting There

From Ellensburg, Washington, take Hwy 821 (Canyon Road) south into the Yakima River Canyon. Umtanum is located at milepost 16, Lmuma Creek is located at milepost 12, Big Pines is located at milepost 10 and Roza is located at milepost 7, a half mile above Roza dam and about 25 miles south of Ellensburg.

GPS Coordinates: 46.85461000000000, -120.47956499999999

Contact & Resources

Phone: (509) 665-2100

Additional Information:

Additional Information

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