The best walks and hikes in Yakima County

Yakima County offers excellent year-round hiking. Spring is fantastic for wildflower displays in the canyons. Summer is ideal for high-elevation alpine routes near Chinook Pass to escape the heat. Autumn brings stunning fall colors, especially in areas like the Tieton River Canyon. In winter, many lower-elevation trails remain accessible, and the mountains offer opportunities for snowshoeing.

Yes, the region has several great options for families. The Yakima Greenway offers 10 miles of paved, flat pathways along the Yakima and Naches Rivers, perfect for all ages. For a unique adventure, the Boulder Cave Trail is a 2-mile loop that leads through a 400-foot-long cave. The Deer Lake via Pacific Crest Trail is another gentle option, offering a pleasant walk to a beautiful lake.

For those seeking a strenuous climb with rewarding views, the county has several difficult trails. The Leech Lake – Ginette Lake loop from White Pass is a long and demanding trek with significant elevation gain. Another tough option is the hike to Deer, Sand, and Beusch Lakes, which covers over 11 miles in the Indian Heaven Wilderness.

Many trails in Yakima County are dog-friendly, but rules can vary. The extensive trail network at the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is a popular choice for hiking with dogs, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike, especially in designated wilderness areas or national forests, and be prepared to clean up after your pet.

The area has many excellent loop trails so you can avoid backtracking. The Sheep Lake loop — Chinook Pass is a moderate route with beautiful scenery. For a more challenging day out, the Ginette Lake – Hogback Mountain loop offers a long, rewarding circuit with great views.

During the spring, the canyons around Yakima burst into color. The trails in the Yakima River Canyon, like the Umtanum Creek Canyon Trail, are renowned for their vibrant wildflower displays. The lower elevation trails of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy are also excellent spots to see a variety of native flowers.

While Yakima County is more known for its dry canyons and alpine meadows than for large waterfalls, some routes feature beautiful water elements. Hikes along the Tieton River or Cowiche Creek offer lovely riverside scenery. For more prominent water features, you may need to explore trails closer to the Cascade Crest, such as the Dewey Lakes trail, which leads to picturesque alpine lakes.

The Cowiche Canyon trail system is a local favorite with several well-regarded trailheads. The Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Scenic Drive Trailhead and Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Summitview Trailhead are both popular starting points for accessing the upper canyon trails with expansive views.

For a different experience, the Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve offers a quieter trail with unique views of the basalt cliffs and the Yakima River valley.

Most trailheads in Yakima County, especially those in more remote canyon or mountain areas, are not directly accessible via public transportation. Reaching popular starting points like those for Cowiche Canyon, Chinook Pass, or the Goat Rocks Wilderness typically requires a private vehicle. It's best to plan on driving to the trailhead.

The diverse landscapes of Yakima County support a variety of wildlife. In the canyons, like the Yakima River Canyon, it's common to spot bighorn sheep on the cliffs. The Oak Creek Wildlife Area is famous for its large elk herd, particularly visible in winter. Birdwatchers can enjoy seeing prairie falcons and hawks at the Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve.

Yes, when snow falls, many of the region's trails become perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trails around White Pass and Chinook Pass (when accessible) are popular for snowshoeing. The Ginette Lake loop from Leech Lake is a great example of a trail that can be explored on snowshoes in winter. Lower elevation trails often remain snow-free or have minimal snow, allowing for year-round hiking.

The trails in Yakima County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the region's diverse scenery, from the dramatic, sun-drenched canyons to the stunning alpine views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. The well-maintained trail systems, particularly at Cowiche Canyon, are frequently mentioned as a major highlight.