Fun in the Snow

Ski, Snowboard, Snowshoe and Snowmobile

Even though there's 300 days of sunshine in the Yakima Valley, there's still plenty of winter sports activity to take advantage of! Once the snow begins to fall, the Yakima Valley gets transformed into a winter sports haven. The hiking trails are converted into avenues for miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The alpine meadows and valleys become prime snowmobile real estate. And families of skiers and snowboarders load up and start heading for White Pass Ski Area! Winter in the Yakima Valley is a magical time!

Horseback Adventures

Mountain Trails and Wine Tasting

Whether you're looking for a peaceful journey around a tranquil lake or a more adventurous excursion over mountain heights, the Yakima Valley provides plenty of idyllic escapes for horse enthusiasts. And riding your horse through the vineyards while you go wine tasting is an experience you'll never forget! Being an agricultural community, the Yakima Valley is extremely welcoming to the horseback riding community. Many local outfitters offer rentals and guided tours, so even if you're new to horseback riding you can quickly become a seasoned pro!

Climbing

The rugged, volcanic geology of the Yakima Valley makes it one of Washington State's best rock climbing and mountaineering destinations. Many of the Valley's mountaineering spots are praised by the climbing community for their solid rock quality and the variety of routes. A short drive from Downtown Yakima and you're able to rope up a quick pitch, and be steps away from terrain that will challenge even the most experienced climbers. And with the Yakima Valley's sweeping landscapes, nearly every climb ends in a breath-taking view.

Wildlife Viewing

The rocky ridges, grassy hillsides, and wide-open meadows, not to mention all the rivers and lakes, means the Yakima Valley is the ideal home for a diverse array of wildlife. Between the federally managed wildlife preserves and the proximity of the naturally occurring habitats, there are plenty of easily accessible opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife. Hike your way through Chinook and White Pass, both of which play host to Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, deer, birds of prey, songbirds, blue herons, osprey, wood ducks, grouse, and a large variety of amphibians. Explore the dramatic basalt cliffs of the Yakima River Canyon, which shelters the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in Washington State. Or stroll through the Yakima Area Arboretum, home to hundreds of species of birds and small mammals.