Mt. Rainier National Park

Mt. Rainier National Park is approximately an hour’s drive northwest of Yakima and is most accessible in the summer months. Some areas, however, may be visited year round. There are activities for the whole family including camping, hiking, wildlife observation, boating and skiing.

Capitol Theatre

The historic Capitol Theatre was built in 1919 and is on the National Register of Historic Sites. It is home to the productions of local organizations such as the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Community Concerts.

Central Washington State Fair

The Central Washington State Fair runs for 10 days each year in late September/early October. The fairgrounds are spacious and scenic, making it one of the most enjoyable fairs in the state.

Mt. Rainier National Park

Mt. Rainier National Park is approximately an hour’s drive northwest of Yakima and is most accessible in the summer months. Some areas, however, may be visited year round. There are activities for the whole family including camping, hiking, wildlife observation, boating and skiing.

Nile Valley Days

Nile Valley Days is a charming community fair held every July in the mountain community of Cliffdell. Approximately a 45-minute drive from Yakima towards Chinook Pass, this three-day fair features local crafters and artists, and is great fun for the whole family. Related information: visit the Nile Civic Betterment Association Web site.

Recreational rivers

The Naches and Yakima rivers offer excellent opportunities for fishing, rafting and other outdoor sports. The Yakima River is one of the nation’s most popular destinations for fly fishermen.

Sundome

The Yakima Valley Sundome, located on the fairgrounds, hosts many concerts and trade shows year round. Built in 1990, the Sundome is the largest dome of its kind in the world.

Toppenish Murals

The city of Toppenish, a half-hour drive southeast of Yakima, houses one of the Northwest’s leading attractions with more than 34 large outdoor murals depicting the area’s history and culture.

Washington Wine Country

Wineries abound in the Yakima Valley, as do fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruit stands dot the local highways, and for those who are interested, there are plenty of opportunities to self-pick produce at local farms. The Yakima Valley’s outstanding agriculture draws people from all over the Northwest.

Yakama Nation Cultural Center

Also near Toppenish is the Yakama Indian Nation Cultural Center. The museum contains wonderful dioramas and exhibits that tell the story of the Yakama people. There is also a restaurant and gift shop, a library, a theatre and an RV resort. The Yakama Nation Legends Casino is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yakima Area Arboretum

The Yakima Area Arboretum is open every day from dawn until dusk, and the Jewett Visitor Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The arboretum harbors more than 2,000 specimens of native and exotic species of woody plants on 46 acres of land adjoining the Yakima River.

Yakima County Stadium

Yakima Stadium, adjacent to the Sundome, is home to the Yakima Bears, a Class ‘A’ Arizona Diamondbacks affiliated baseball team. In addition to baseball games, the stadium hosts concerts and other activities.

Yakima Farmers Market

Yakima is also home to a thriving farmer’s market, which is open every Sunday from May to October. Local produce and hand crafted items are available at the market.

Yakima Greenway

The Greenway, which runs through the arboretum, is another facet of Yakima’s outdoor activities. The Greenway stretches from Selah Gap to Union Gap, and west along the Naches River. It has more than 10 miles of paved pathways which connect parks, river access landings, nature trails, fishing lakes and protected natural areas.

Yakima Valley Museum

The Yakima Valley Museum, located in downtown Yakima, offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley’s natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life and the development of the Valley’s fruit industry.

To learn more about everything the Yakima Valley has to offer, visit www.everythingyakima.com.

Yakima River Canyon a delight in spring