Canyon
The River Canyon is located 3 miles out of Selah. Don’t miss the chance to experience the variety of activities the Canyon offers. Hiking, biking, camping, floating, sightseeing, and other seasonal activities are here. The summer is an excellent time to get out and experience the sunshine that Selah and the river have to offer.
Biking
The Yakima River Canyon is a great place to ride a road bike and enjoy the scenery. The road follows the river from Selah to Ellensburg. During the summer months riders will see the beauty of the canyon with all of its color and warmth.
The canyon isn’t just for road bikes though; mountain bikers can cross the river at the Umtanum Recreation Site and use trails on the other side of the river.
Camping
There are five camp sites in the canyon that people can use during the summer months, four of which may be used year round. Listed below are the camp sites from Selah to Ellensburg. Please note that the following sites are not owned, operated, or managed by the City of Selah. Please see contact information for each site to make reservations or for more information.
Roza Recreation Site
Camping is permitted here for a fee of $15. This site is also a boat launch and the only place a motor boat is permitted. Parking for the day in this area is $5.
Contact Information: Managed by Bureau of Land Management
Address: 8681 Canyon Rd, Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: 509-536-1200
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985
Big Pines Loop
The fee for this camp site is also $15 and to park for the day is $5. Big Pines has RV and Tent camping available as well as a boat launch. NO MOTOR BOATS.
Contact Information:
Address: Canyon Rd. Ellensburg, 98926
Phone: 509-536-1200
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/95000
Lmuma Creek
Again the fee for camping and parking are $15 and $5 dollars. There is limited space at this site meaning first come first serve. This may also make it a perfect place to camp because there are less people.
Contact Information:
Address: 11602-, 13342 Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone: 509-536-1200
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/94941
Umtanum Recreation Site
The Umtanum site has several camping sites for $15 and a $5 parking fee. This is not just a camp site; it is the only place to cross the river without a boat or without swimming. The foot bridge here will allow you to cross the river and access a multitude of trails.
Contact Information:
Address: Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone: 509-536-1200
Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/94971
Floating
During the summer months is a perfect time to take a leisurely float down the river. Please make sure to do your research before dropping in a tube as there are many areas of the river that are passable and impassable by float. Or check with a guide service such as Reds Fly Shop!
Click below to download a Yakima River Canyon Floater’s map, courtesy of Red’s Fly Shop.
Fly Fishing
The Yakima River is a great place to fly fish for trout and steelhead. Steelhead are catch and release only, and the trout rule change seasonally. (See our fishing page) People travel from all over to enjoy the tranquility of the Yakima River and the fishing it offers.
Hiking
The Yakima River Canyon has trails for beginners and more experienced hikers. Once again cross the bridge at the Umtanum Recreation Site and it leads to different paths. (See our hiking page)
Sightseeing
The Yakima Valley and the river canyon have a plethora of wildlife. While enjoying the sun one can see elk, deer, big horn sheep, eagles, fish jumping and a variety of birds. In the winter one can check out the feeding stations near by and watch elk and big horn sheep feed. Printable SELF GUIDED TOUR of the Yakima River Canyon.
Water Skiing / Wake Boarding
The Yakima River has a half mile stretch between the Roza Recreation Site and the Roza dam where motor boats are allowed. This is a great place for wake boarding and water skiing. The banks are farther from one another here than most places on the river, and has calm and deeper water that most spots on the river. Click the link below to download a map of boat launch areas along the river – courtesy of Red’s Fly Shop!