Overview
The gentle Yakima River winds for 27 miles through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. This area is popular for wildlife viewing, fishing, and floating the river.
Great Facilities and Amenities
Campfire Allowed
(60 of 61 campsites have Campfire Allowed)
Checkin Time
(All campsites have Checkin Time)
Checkout Time
(All campsites have Checkout Time)
Driveway Entry
(Majority of the campsites have back in)
Firepit
(All campsites have Firepit)
Max Num Of People
(Up to 10)
Max Num Of Vehicles
(Up to 2)
Pets Allowed
(All campsites have Pets Allowed)
Picnic Table
(All campsites have Picnic Table)
Shade
(15 of 61 campsites have Shade)
Site Access
(Majority of the campsites have drive in)
Natural Features
Within the Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds there are four developed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites with river access: Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the massive basalt cliffs, rolling desert hills, riparian vegetation, and the cool water of the Yakima River.
Recreation
The Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination for plant and wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, various birds of prey, and mule deer. This section of the river is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, but is catch and release only. One of the most popular summer activities is floating the river, which is a family friendly Class 1 river with no rapids. Rafters often put in at Umtanum and take out at Roza.
Permitted Equipment
rv-N/A
tent-N/A
trailer-N/A
Nearby Attractions
The cities of Ellensburg and Yakima, Central Washington University, and Cowiche Canyon trails are near by. Umtanum recreation site offers a footbridge to cross the Yakima River and access to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands on the west side of the river.