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Canyon Concierge and Area Activities

Featuring over 300 days of sunshine per year, there is always something to do and enjoy in the Canyon.

Wine

The Yakima Valley has over 60 wineries on over 17,000 vineyard acres. Yakima is located on the same latitude as the Bordeaux region of France and has very similar soil. The primary varieties of grapes grown include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling. The Yakima Valley was the first recognized American Vinicultural Area (AVA) in the Pacific Northwest. Terroir is the French term for the quality of the soil. The soils of the Yakima Valley are similar in that they have a basalt base from ancient volcanic activity and silts from the last ice age.

Wineries, Tasting Rooms, and Tours

Wine Events

Beer and Cider

The Yakima Valley is the home of the largest hops growing region in the world. Over 75% of the United State’s hops come from the Yakima Valley. Most hop farms are family owned and go back three or four generations and grow a combination of both aroma and alpha varieties.

Breweries, Brewpubs, Cider Works, and Tours

Download the USA Hops Variety Brochure here.

The Yakima Valley Spirits and Hops Trail – The perfect guide to events, tours, and educational programs about the Valley hops, breweries, distilleries, and cideries.

Distilleries

Orchards

The Yakima Valley is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the Country. 70% of the nation’s apples, 42% of the nation’s pears, 75% of the nation’s hops are grown in the Yakima Valley along with grapes, mint and spearmint, and more. The Valley is home to over 40 commercial crops and hundreds of varieties. The area’s agriculture depends upon the snowpack in the Cascade Mountains to irrigate the crops as so little rain falls in the Valley. The Mountain water and the volcanic soil of the region form the perfect partnership for the agricultural bounty the Valley provides.

Download a Yakima Valley agricultural map here.

Farmers Markets

Mushroom Hunting

For the Culinary Adventurer! Washington has one of the highest number of mushroom species in the world and many are found in the Yakima Valley. Visit the Yakima Valley Mushroom Society for more information.

Explore

There are endless opportunities for adventure in the Yakima River Canyon. You can fish in Washington State’s only Blue Ribbon trout stream, spend a lazy day rafting, or go hiking, biking, hunting, horseback riding, and much more. The Canyon is a favorite of wildlife and landscape photographers.

Popular trails in the Ellensburg and Yakima areas:

Umtanum Creek Canyon
Length: 6.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy-to-medium with an elevation gain of 500 feet
Features: Meadows, river views, wildlife.

This hike is only 2 miles from Canyon River Ranch and is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Take a pleasant hike in the Yakima Canyon spring through fall and enjoy beautiful views of the river and a chance to see wildlife like bighorn sheep and deer. This hike is good for families and allows dogs on leashes.

Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail
Length: 2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Medium-to-hard with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet
Features: Meadows, mountain and river views, wildlife.
This short but steep hike features beautiful views of the north end of the Yakima Canyon. You’ll see everything from farmland at the beginning of the hike to Mount Rainier at the peak and everything in between. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the trail, guiding you to the summit.

Manastash Ridge Hike
Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet
Features: Meadows, mountain views, ridges
This hike is a 30-minute drive from Canyon River Ranch and has some of the best views in the central Washington area. Enjoy 360-degree views throughout the hike as you stroll along the drops and contours of the mountain. Dogs are allowed on leash.
For more trail routes and information, visit the Washington Trails Association hiking guide.

Golf Courses

Disc Golf

Arts and Culture

Ellensburg

Events