The Cowiche Canyon Trail crosses the creek nine times; the trail is 2.9 miles long. These two features offer a concrete starting point for exploring Yakima’s landscape. Nearby, collections, historic buildings, and archives tell the story of the region. Nature experiences and cultural discoveries are distinct interests that can also be combined easily.
Trails, Green Spaces, and Wetlands
The Yakima Greenway offers a different scale: The 20-mile trail is intended for pedestrians and cyclists and connects Union Gap, Yakima, Selah, and Naches. It provides access to river launches and connects visitors with protected natural areas. By comparison, the Cowiche Canyon Trail is shorter at 2.9 miles; its nine creek crossings make it a distinct option. Trail length and designated use can help you choose between the two based on your interests.
The Yakima Area Arboretum offers a different kind of natural space. This 46-acre urban green space is also a retreat and includes display gardens, tree collections, and natural areas. It also offers good opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. The grounds are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset; check visitor information before you go.
Yakima Sportsman State Park is a 266-acre campground. The park is home to the Juan A. Alvarez Living Classroom, which has a short, paved, ADA-accessible trail. A boardwalk leads from there into a wetland. This provides specific access to a wetland alongside the region’s broader trail and green-space offerings, without implying that this trail’s features apply to the entire park.
History in Collections and Buildings
At the Yakima Valley Museum, more than 48,000 artifacts tell the stories of the diverse people who have lived in the Yakima Valley. The historical exhibits range from the natural history of the Yakima Valley and cultural objects from the Plateau region to pioneer life and early town history, as well as the origins and development of the Valley’s fruit industry. The museum is also home to the Sundquist Research Library and Archives, the leading regional archive for local history. The collection and archive offer different perspectives on the past.
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park also combines historical significance with specific buildings: It is one of the few surviving pre-Civil War forts in the West. Visitors can tour five of the original buildings, the tribal jail, and restored barracks. You can book tours of the Commander's Quarters by calling (509) 874-2372; confirm tour arrangements before you arrive.
The Capitol Theatre in Yakima opened in 1920. After a fire in 1975, it reopened three years later as a performing arts center. These two dates mark a change in the building’s history: Its opening was followed by a fire and reopening as a performing arts center.
Agriculture and Rides
Agriculture is one of the topics featured at the Yakima Valley Museum. The Central Washington Agricultural Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, offers another connection to the subject. Tieton Farm & Creamery offers seasonal Saturday farm tours in a “Walk n' Talk” format. Since the offering is seasonal, check the dates in advance.
Two routes are listed for rides on the Yakima Valley Trolleys: The Pine Street Line runs from 3rd Avenue to Holton Avenue. The Selah Line runs through Selah Gap to downtown Selah. Check the schedule before your ride so your plans match the available service.
Discover more destinations: Sunnyside, Union Gap, Toppenish, Zillah, Yakima, Wapato, Outlook, Selah.
Return to the main travel overview: Washington.
