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With the Yakima River to the west, the Columbia Gorge to the east, and a collection of State Parks surrounding Ellensburg, there is an activity for every season with a picturesque view to match. Forest trails, canyon fly-fishing, and miles of river bends to drift and rapids to ride await you in our Central Washington home base.
water ways

Water Ways

River Rafting at Rill
Offers adventures on the Yakima, Cle Elum and Wenatchee Rivers with a mix of white water wave trains, kayaking dreams and leisurely drifts.

Yakima River Tubing
Float trips on the Yakima River from Umtanum to Roza are perfect for families, snack coolers, and dog friendly! Reservations are required.

Irene Rinehart River Park
117-acre park with picnic areas, grills, trails, and swimming spots perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Lake Wanapum
Perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, camping, windsurfing, and no shortage of beaches. The Sandbar is an iconic spot you don't want to miss in the summertime.


fishing

Fishing

Ellensburg Angler
This Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing outfitter will show you the best of the Yakima and Naches Rivers and Rocky Ford SpringCreek with guides prepared with a lifetime of knowledge and welcoming of all skill levels.

Brazda’s Fly Fishing
Don't let the name fool you – this guide service specializes in fly fishing, trout, salmon, and steelhead withyear-round adventure offerings, including the Olympic Peninsula, Methow River, Klickitat River, Naches River,Washington's only Blue Ribbon trout fishery, the Yakima River.

Mattoon Lake
Mattoon Lake on the outskirts of Ellensburg boasts a variety of fish, including the common carp, yellow perch, rainbowtrout, largemouth bass, and pumpkinseed sunfish.

The Evening Hatch
Opening in 1988, this old-school gem provides year-round guides and a brick-and-mortar shop.


hiking

Hiking

Baldy Mountain
360 views of the Yakima Valley await you on this 5-mile roundtrip hike. Enjoy the winding river and wildflowers, and pack sunscreen!

LT Wildlife Area
Columbia River has many self-guided trails, loops, and scenic panoramas. Wildflowers, cacti, petrified wood, and wildlife can be found in this expansive area. While uncommon, there are rattlesnakes that make their home here, so be careful with kiddos and pets.

Palouse to Cascades
Walk, bike, trot, camp, or ride through this area for stunning landscapes.

Rattlesnake Dance Ridge
The name is misleading (while our reptilian friends enjoy sunbathing here), for this 2-mile hike provides a fantastic snapshot of the Yakima Canyon. The incline and switchbacks are notable, but the landscape makes it a stunning place to catch your breath.


biking

Biking

Fishhook Trail
Legendary and suggested for experts only, the Fishhook Trail in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has been ranked as one of the best rides in the country.

Reecer Creek Road
A friendly loop that winds through pasturelands, forests, rivers, and rolling hills along the Old Vantage Highway that will bring you back to town. Great for groups, families, or leisurely rides.

Shoestring Lake
Easy, breezy beautiful is the best way to describe Shoestring Lake. Plenty of trails, limited inclines - unless you go looking for them - and great for all ages or experience levels, clocking in at about 7 miles round trip.

North Fork Taneum
Take Exit 101 on Thorp Highway, and the trailhead is just beyond the Thorp Fruit Stand, which makes bringing a fresh produce picnic an excellent choice.


horseback riding

Horseback Riding

Flying Horseshoe Ranch
There is nothing equestrian the Flying Horseshoe Ranch doesn't do – guided rides? Check. Lessons? Check.

High Country Outfitters
Hello, variety! High Country Outfitters hosts several programs. Some for large groups, some for kids only, women-only girls' trips, overnight rides, Dutch oven cooking classes, wildflower identification and adult horse camp vibes.

Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center
Only welcoming and inclusive experiences here. Focused on capabilities and not disabilities, their programming provides equine-assisted excursions catering to individuals with physical, emotional, or learning disabilities.

Three Peaks Outfitters
One size fits all, who? Every adventure, ranging from 1.5-hour rides to full-day to multiple-night trail rides, is organized with care, enthusiasm, and fun.


golf

Golf

Ellensburg Golf & Country Club
From putting greens to pro shops to local pilsners, this 9-hole course has it all. With almost 3,000 yards of golf, this semi-private club offers regular membership and day rates open to the public.

River Ridge Golf Course
Boasting a 9-hole executive-length course, this stunning location of rolling hills is a great place for intermediate to experienced golfers. Water is in play for seven of the nine holes, but the delicious restaurant is in play for all.

Suntides Golf Course
Suntides has been open in Yakima since 1965 with 18 holes, 6,250 yards and a par 70 featuring blue, white, gold, and red tee blocks. Daily rates, lounge, and restaurant accompany the over 300 days of sunshine each year.

Suncadia Resort Golf Course
Double up for two championship golf courses lined with towering trees, lakes, ponds, and a winery on-site! Designed by the one and only Arnold Palmer Design Company, the Rope Rider and Prospector courses provide a gorgeous setting for mountain golf.


snow fun

Snow Fun

Elk Heights
Take exit 93 for two separate trails - Peoh Point and Taneum Road - for snowy hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and wandering the Sno-Park.

Mineral Springs
Only 20 miles north of Ellensburg with three separate trails for all skill levels. Pack your snowshoes and sleds because no permit is required.

Salmon La Sac
Just north of Ellensburg, there are miles of trails and tracks to wander. A mix of low-elevation hikes and packed snow make it perfect for families, pets, and snowy picnics.

Woods & Steele
Stunning views of the neighboring mountain ranges and endless trail loops - over 28-mile-long loops if you're brave - this unofficial snow park is beautiful year-round and has plenty of space so even when it's busy, it never feelscrowded.