Yakima Valley and Wine Country

This scenic drive begins along the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway with views that unfold at every twist and turn of the road. The Umtanum Canyon was formed by lava flows and uplift along the Columbia River 16 million years ago, and you can observe towering columns of basalt in the hillsides. From here, head through the Yakima Valley exploring the unique character of the small towns, sip the bounty of wine county, savor farm-fresh dining, and experience festivals and events in every season.

The Yakima River in Autumn

This drive can be done in either direction, but we describe it as starting in Ellensburg. You can reach Ellensburg from exit 110 off of I-90 for I-82/US-97 South, within a third of a mile, take exit 3 for WA-821/South, Canyon Road.

If you’re coming from anywhere north, once to get to Ellensburg you’ll be stunned by the drastic change in the landscape. Instead of large conifer trees covering high rocky mountains, you’ll find rolling hills of dry grass, very few trees, and a much hotter, drier climate. This area boasts 300 days of sunshine and only 8 inches of rain per year which is why we think it makes a great getaway destination.

Along the Yakima River there are multiple day-use and campground sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. For day-use, there is a small fee, or use your America the Beautiful Pass. In eight miles, the first is the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area (H1) a popular stop to float a raft down the river — rafters can put in at Umtanum and take out at Roza. Or just enjoy the views, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Hiking the Umtanum Canyon Trail is exceptional, especially in May when wildflowers are blooming. The trail begins by crossing a suspension footbridge over the river. Note summer temperatures can be very hot and there is little, to no shade. Be prepared, hike early or late in the day, have a sunhat and ample water.

The next BLM Sites along the byway are Lmuma Creek Recreation Site (H4), Big Pines Recreation Site (H5), and Roza Recreation Area (H2). All offer camping, hikes, swimming, and rafting opportunities. A mile up the road from here is the Roza Dam, responsible for providing water to farms in this area.

Shortly after the dam, the road and river straighten and merges onto I-82/US-97 South towards Yakima. In about four miles, the road will pass US-12 West where you could extend the trip by heading to the Chinook Scenic Byway and coming back via the White Pass Scenic Byway.

Hikers will love the Cowiche Canyon Recreation Area (East) (H7) which preserves unique shrub-steppe habitat and geologic history. Outcrops and cliffs of andesite and basalt, sagebrush, grasslands, wildflowers and oak woodlands are fascinating to explore. A large number of hikes meander the area making it easy to choose long or shorter hikes, easy or challenging, or low or high elevation. If you want to head up with a destination, take the Winery Trail, which leads up to Wilridge Winery (known for wine and pie). The Cowiche Canyon Recreation Area is free and there is parking available at the East or West trailheads. (It’s about 3 miles of easy, flat hiking from East to West parking areas). In winter, this area is popular for snow-shoeing. Check the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy website for guided walks, events, and lectures.

Consider a detour to the tiny town of Tieton which boasts a number of art galleries and artist studios which makes it a perfect destination for a creative stroll, then grab a bite at the local restaurants. Tieton is home to the orchards of Tieton Cider Works, and the solar powered Tieton Farm and Creamery known for its artisan cheeses.

Yakima Valley’s rich volcanic soil makes it a prime agricultural region. Along with fruits and vegetables, the Yakima Valley is a top wine grape-growing region in the U.S., and is home to over 90 wineries and 5 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). The wine region is divided into five tasting areas — Yakima Area, Zillah Area, Columbia Gorge Area, Prosser Area, and Red Mountain Area, which is the farthest from Yakima, about an hour away. Beautiful valley views and casual atmosphere await. Explore on your own, or on guided tasting tours. Many wineries feature tours, outdoor concerts, special events, and food pairings. The region also yields 75% of the nation’s hop production and you’ll find about 20 craft breweries and tap houses. Don’t miss the Moxee Hop Festival held every summer. And finally, there are local cideries as well. Please don’t drink and drive. We recommend planning accordingly if you are visiting multiple wineries by making this an overnight or weekend getaway. Yakima and Union Gap are great base towns with a variety of lodging, restaurants, and shopping options. This handy map will inspire and help planning.

Continuing South on I-82, merge onto US-97 South towards Union Gap. Fullbright Park (H3) is a wonderful spot for a picnic (pick up fresh produce at the Valley Mall Farmers Market on Saturdays 10 am-3 pm mid-May to mid-Oct or visit Fruit City in Union Gap), and enjoy covered shelters, a playground, and Disc Golf course. Next to the park is the Central Washington Agricultural Museum (M1) which displays agricultural equipment that made the Yakima Valley what it is today, with more than 150 antique tractors and over 1,000 pieces of historic machinery. The museum is free, donations appreciated. From here, take the 2.5-mile steep Ahtanum Ridge Loop Trail that heads up to the top of the surrounding Ahtanum Hills. There is no shade, so heed the peak heat and hike early or later in the day if you’re there in summer. Once atop, enjoy expansive views of the valley below. Craving cool, shade? The 46-acre Yakima Area Arboretum (A2) is lovely for walking, touring the gardens, picnicking, bird watching, and just relaxing. There are events in every season, classes, and workshops as well. Cyclists and walkers alike will love the Yakima Greenway (H6), a 22-mile paved path from Naches to Union Gap, with multiple parking areas to access the trail.

The drive continues south on US-97, along the Yakama Indian Reservation. The fields are planted with fruit, vines, and vegetables, and there are farm stands along the road to purchase fresh produce. From various locations, you will see Mount Adams towards the west.

In Zillah, a must stop is the Teapot Dome Service Station (A3), a former gas station originally built in 1922 in the shape of a teapot. The photogenic Teapot now serves as a Visitor Center.

The town of Toppenish, features over 80 incredibly detailed murals depicting the history of the area. Stop at the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce (I1) for local information and to get a mural map. A walking tour takes about an hour, or take the covered wagon tour. And of course you can simply drive and stop to see the murals. At the Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Center (M2), learn about the Yakama Nation and it’s people through artifacts, exhibits, and special events. The museum is free. The American Hop Museum (M3) celebrates this region as a top producer of hops worldwide. Originally cultivated by Native Americans, hops have been an important role in this area for centuries. There is a small entrance free.

The drive continues down WA-22 with more wineries, restaurants, and lodging in Sunnyside, Grandview, and Prosser. In Prosser, stop at the vibrant Vintners Village (A4) where you can explore more than 10 different tasting rooms in one convenient location with ample parking, restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally held in late September is a spectacular sight.

From here, continue on I-82 to the furthest of the Yakima Valley Wine areas, the Red Mountain AVA in Benton City which boasts over 40 wineries and is known for world class Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and other varieties.

With so much to explore in the area, consider heading to the Columbia Gorge along the Lewis and Clark Memorial Highway in Washington State or the Columbia Gorge in Oregon.