Outdoor Recreation
An abundance of outdoor activities in, and within a short drive of, Yakima — such as hiking, biking, golfing, skiing, fishing, rafting, hunting, plus spectator sports like baseball and soccer — can be enjoyed through all four seasons.
Yakima Greenway
The Greenway is an 18-mile paved path along the Yakima River in and around Yakima. It’s a great place for walking, bird watching, fishing, running, biking, skating, picnicking and other outdoor activities. The trail is open from dawn to dusk and accessible from all Greenway parks and landings (except Century Landing). Restrooms are located along the path.
There is a large playground north of Sarg Hubbard Park. The park features play areas for kids, open fields for Frisbee or flying kites and covered picnic areas.
A variety of events, such as the Gap2Gap Relay are held at the Greenway each year. For a full calendar and park access maps, check out yakimagreenway.org.
Yakima Arboretum
Located off of the Yakima Greenway, the Arboretum features 46 acres of urban green space with about 30 acres of lawn, trees and walkways that lead to wooded areas along the Yakima River. The area is perfect for picnics, dog walking, exploring the Japanese-style garden and celebrating weddings.
The arboretum hosts nature camps, school field trips, bird watching events and the property is available to rent for events.
At the entrance of the arboretum is the The Jewett Interpretive Center, which features a carillon bell tower, the Heritage of Trees display, a reference library and a herbarium. The Tree House Gift Shop and courtyard are there as well. For more information visit ahtrees.org.
Yakima River Canyon
Visitors can load up their rafting gear and head toward Ellensburg on State Route 823. A half dozen recreation areas can be found right off the road, a highway that weaves through the lowlands of Yakima and Kittitas counties.
Most of the recreation areas are intended for day use, though some allow overnight camping. Here you can find people fishing, boating, hiking, taking photography and floating the river.
White Pass
Skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers love to visit White Pass Ski Area off U.S. Highway 12, just 45 minutes from downtown Yakima. White Pass has a popular lodge and numerous cabins for rent.
The area is also popular among hikers, cyclists and campers during the warmer months. Dozens of trailheads, campgrounds and river access points can be found along the highway, so visitors should be prepared to pull off the road and explore.
Fishing & Watersports
For sport fishing, try your cast in the Yakima River Canyon for fly fishing, and check out the large selection of still water lakes and ponds all throughout the Valley — plus boating, waterskiing, and other water sport opportunities abound.
Trails
Hiking trails in the Valley are plentiful, or you can take a short drive westward on U.S. Highways 12 or 410 to find more trails for day hikes, backpacking, and even rock climbing.
Golf
You can benefit from the more than 200 days of sunshine, and take advantage of the nine- and 18-hole courses available in town and in other Valley communities.
Local Sports
Yakima is home to the Yakima Valley Pippins, a West Coast League playing from June into August. For soccer and other field sports such as lacrosse and rugby, SOZO Sports of Central Washington provides outdoor and indoor play spaces and more.
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416 S 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
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