Yakima River Canyon
Details
- Designation State Byway
- Location WA
- Length 22 miles
Overview
The short and sublime Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway, also known as Canyon Road or SR-821, this byway is a dazzling alternative to driving I-82 between Ellensburg and Yakima. A 22-mile trip that is scenic yeararound, Canyon Road follows the Yakima River on a lonely, curvy twolane road between high-desert sage-covered hills.
Points of Interest
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Ellensburg
Located just east of the Cascade Range on Interstate 90, Ellensburg is known as the most centrally located city in the state of Washington. It is home to Central Washington University. Downtown Ellensburg has many historic buildings to see, most of which were constructed in the late 19th century. The Ellensburg Rodeo has been a tradition in the town since 1923, and is the largest rodeo in Washington state. Downtown Ellensburg hosts several annual events including the Winterhop Brewfest in January where beers are served from over 21 microbreweries from around the Pacific Northwest in various historic downtown buildings.
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Umtanum Creek Recreation Area
Umtanum Creek Recreation Area is a great place to explore, with a fine canyon hike leading to rolling hills above. The canyon, just a quick drive down the Yakima canyon from Ellensburg, is known for wildflowers and sage, aspen, cottonwood, birds, and beaver dams.
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Roza Dam Recreation Site
Situated on the banks of Yakima River and overlooking basalt cliffs, Roza Dam Recreation Site is a great camping location. This site is part of Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds. Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, it is a part of Yakima Canyon Loop, which includes other campgrounds, such as Big Pines, Umtanum, and Lmuma Creek. It is a good place for boating and fishing, and it is ideal for family trips. You can also drive along the canyon to beautiful hikes, such as the Umtanum Ridge Crest Trail.
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Selah Cliffs
Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve (NAP) was established in 1993 to protect the largest known population of basalt daisy (Erigeron basalticus), a state-listed threatened species known from only a 10-mile stretch of the Yakima River Canyon.
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Selah
Selah is a small city in Yakima County, Washington. It is home to the Tree Top apple processor co-operative’s two processing plants and headquarters. Visitors can get helpful information and a bite to eat at the Tree Top Store & Visitor Center. Selah and the Wenas Valley continuously serve as a “bedroom community” of the larger city of Yakima, just to the south. Due to the nearby orchards and juice processing plants, Selah is commonly referred to as “The Apple Juice Capital of the World”.
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Yakima
Yakima is nestled in the Yakima Valley, approximately 60 miles southeast of Mount Rainier. The city is known for its beautiful weather and rich agriculture including apples, wine, and hops production. Visitors have plenty of places to choose from when it comes to serving local craft beer and wine. The city is host to popular events like Yakima Live music festival, Yakima Summer Kickoff Party, and the Fresh Hop Ale Fest. The county is geographically divided into two regions: the Upper (northern) and Lower (southern) valleys, separated by Ahtanum Ridge, and Rattlesnake Ridge, providing extensive views. Downtown Yakima’s historic Capitol Theatre and Seasons Performance Hall, as well as the Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, present numerous musical and stage productions.
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