Home > Destinations > Yakima Wine Country > Area Activities
Yakima Wine Country Area Activities
While you’re in the area for river rafting, here are some other recommendations for things to do in the Yakima River area to make your getaway complete...
Hiking
Safety Tips
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind while hiking:
Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.
Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.
Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hiking trip, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.
Additional Resources: For maps of Mt. Rainier National Park or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI. For park passes, visit Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit. Be sure you need the pass or permit before you buy it. For any other questions or for more information, contact the Naches Ranger Station.
Recommended:
Mount Rainier National Park Directions:From Naches, head west on US 12 to SR 410. West on SR 410 over Chinook and Cayuse Passes to the White River Entrance.
About:September, the most exciting month on the Tieton, is also your last chance of the season to explore the sublime wilderness areas surrounding Mount Rainier. The crowds will be tapering off on Rainier just as Blue Sky starts regularly running the Tieton; it's a perfect opportunity for you to combine two of Washington's most thrilling adventures.
Tatoosh Wilderness Trails Length: 9 miles (& many side trails)
Directions:The trailhead is reached by turning off Highway 12 at the Packwood Ranger Station. Follow Road 52 to Road 5270. Eleven miles from the ranger station is the trailhead.
About:Nearly 16,000 acres of unlogged wilderness featuring breath-quickening hiking trails to breath-taking views, especially up toward the former site of Tatoosh Lookout. Lakes, mountainous regions, and pristine forests make this one of the finest parks in the Mount Rainier area.
Top
Scenic Sites
Rimrock Lake
Directions:
From Naches, head west on Route 12 for about 25 miles and look for the lake on your left.
This dam-created lake hosts a fine and varied selection of fish for the sportsperson's pleasure, motor-boating, swimming, and sunbathing. Its relatively isolated location means you'll often be able to enjoy it in quiet and uncrowded conditions. Get familiar with the lake water; it'll be carrying you through the time of your life on a Blue Sky river-raft.
Toppenish: The Toppenish Murals
Directions:
Follow 12 East to 82 South. Get off at Exit 50 and roll into the fascinating town of Toppenish.
The city of Toppenish has the rare attraction of over seventy outdoor murals depicting scenes from Washington history, painted by the talented members of the Toppenish Mural Society. All murals are checked thoroughly for historical accuracy and quality, making the town a unique and charming location just three quarters of an hour south of Naches.
Norse Peak Wilderness
Directions:
410 West all the way to the Crystal Mountain Blvd. Take a right there and then a left onto Gold Hill Road.
51,000 acres of wild geomorphic features, forests of Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock, and the habitats of the most rare and fascinating wildlife in this corner of the world. Many trails take exhilarating lines through this area, allowing access to remote wonders such as Norse Peak and Castle Mountain.
William O. Douglas Wilderness
Directions:
The trailhead for the American Ridge Trail begins just off Highway 410.
Like to hike? 250 miles of trails provide access to nearly 170,000 acres of mountainous country in this area. Lakes, marshes, and wild rock formations provide the full scope of wilderness exploration.
Top
2009 Festivals
June
Sunshine and Wine - June 20
July
Yakima Fourth of July Celebration
September
Ellensburg Rodeo - September 4-7
Wineries and Vineyards
Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
Phone: 888-375-7498
15 Wineries! 90 minute vineyard tours on Sunday! Wine, wine, wine! Wine tasting till you can't taste no more, then take a few discounted bottles home for private tippling in the glass you've received with your $5 wine passport! Just remember: there's no whining on the river!
Cascade Wine Company
26 N. 1st Street
Yakima, Washington
Phone: 509-972-2811
Check out their website for information about their frequent tasting events of wines from all over Washington. Cheers!
Yakima River Winery
143302 W North River Rd
Prosser, Washington 99350
Phone: (509) 786-2805
All wines are Yakima Valley grown and all grapes are controlled by the winery. The winery pioneered Washington's first Port, Merlot, and Lemberger wine varieties.
Gilbert Cellars
5 N. Front St., Suite 100
Yakima, Washington 98901
Phone: 509-249-9049
The Gilbert family began farming the Yakima valley in 1897. They are prominent growers and wine makers in Yakima with their tree fruit company, Gilbert Orchards.
Kana Winery
10 South 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington 98901
Phone: 509-453-6611
Kana Winery wines are the result of the careful selection of fruit from the very best vineyards. The tasting room in downtown Yakima is open daily.
Naches Heights Vineyard
1857 Weikel Rd.
Yakima, Washington 98908
Phone: 509-945-4062
Naches Heights Vineyard currently produces five grape varietals: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Tempranillo and Syrah. One of the highest elevated vineyards in the state.
The Tasting Room Yakima
250 Ehler Rd.
Yakima, Washington 98908
Phone: (509) 966-0686
Wine tasting in a 1900s era farmhouse. When you pick out a bottle of wine that you like you can take it with you on a picnic to a nice spot on their 85 acres of organic vineyards.
Museums and Attractions
Central Washington University Chimposiums
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, Washington 98926
Phone: (509) 963-2244
Featuring a one hour educational workshop involving world renowned signing chimpanzees. It serves as a training center for students and as an educational center for the general public.
Yakima Area Arboretum
Corner of East Nob Hill Blvd & Interstate 82
Yakima, Washington 98901
Phone: (509) 248-7337
Open every day dawn until dusk. There are over 2,000 specimens in the Arboretum's collection on 46 acres of land adjoining the riparian habitat of the Yakima River.
The Northern Pacific Railway Museum
10 Asotin Ave.
Toppenish, Washington 98948
Phone: (509) 865-1911
This old decommissioned depot has been restored to its early appearance and gives visitors an opportunity to see what early rail transportation was like.
Central Washington Agricultural Museum
4508 Main Street
Union Gap, Washington 98903
Phone: (509) 457-8735
The museum is home to over 3,000 antique hand tools, the steam engine used to power the Old Naches sawmill, a collection of bells from the valley schools, a working sawmill, and the home of the Linderman Tractor.
American Hop Museum
22 South "B" Street
Toppenish, Washington 98948
Phone: (509)865-4677
The American Hop Museum, located in the heart of the nation's largest hop producing area, features striking exhibitions and intriguing displays, and a unique gift shop highlighting an array of items devoted to the history and future of hop cultivation.
Golf
Apple Tree Resort
18 holes
8804 Occidental Rd
Yakima, Washington 98903
Phone: (509) 966-5877
Suntides Golf Course
18 holes
231 Pence Rd
Yakima, Washington 98908
Phone: (509) 966-9065
Westwood West Golf Course
6408 Tieton Dr
Yakima, Washington 98908
Phone: (509) 966-0890
Family Fun
Meadowbrook Family Fun Center
Yakima, Washington
Phone: 509-966-3836
A great place to go for Family Fun! Attractions include Go Carts, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, Batting Cages, Arcade, and Pizza Café. Something fun for everyone.
Cherry Hill Family Fun Center
Granger, Washington
Phone: 509-854-2294
A family friendly atmosphere with something fun for everyone to do. We have an Ball Park Batting field where you can see how far the ball flies. Dyno Putt our miniature 18 hole golf course for all ages. Race your friends on the Pedal Karts, ages 5 and up, great for energetic kids. Hey mom, look, no feet! For 3-10 yr olds we offer low to the ground scooters that you propel with your arms.
The Museum Soda Fountain
Yakima, Washington
Phone: (509)457-9810
The Museum Soda Fountain is a working exhibit of a late 1930’s soda fountain. Sodas, sundaes, and milkshakes are created with Tillamook ice cream. Hot dogs, chili, soup and sandwiches are also available.
Online Booking Now Available!
Click on any of the links below to check available dates, book your trip, and ask us any questions.
Or, if you'd prefer, feel free to give us a call at (206)938-4030 or (800)228-RAFT or send us an . We'd be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
