Yakima Valley Summer Road Trip Ideas

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the Yakima Valley offers pretty much guaranteed perfect weather for getting outside and exploring.

Make the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center your first stop. There, travel consultants can share more information and help you plan your trip.

Yakima Valley Summer Trip Stops

01 — Float the Yakima River Canyon

A leisurely float through the winding Yakima River Canyon is a refreshing way to escape the summer heat, with towering basalt cliffs all around. Watch for wildlife along the way, including raptors, big horn sheep and more.

02 — Enjoy Downtown Summer Nights

Every Thursday throughout the summer, Downtown Yakima's Historic Front Street comes alive with local craft beverages and an outstanding lineup of live music. The weekly event includes two bands, a lively beer garden and delicious food. Admission is free, and the family-friendly activities offer something for all.

03 — Explore Summer Fruit Festivals and U-pick Farms

Pick up a farm-fresh experience—and your own harvest—with berries, cherries, peppers, peaches and more. More than 40 crops are grown here, and u-pick farms and farm stands can be found across the Valley. Summer fruit festivals add on-the-farm fun and food for everyone.

04 — Hike, Bike and Run

More than 300 miles of trails create options for every ability. Explore sub-alpine mountain trails, distinctive shrub-steppe landscapes and sunny routes suited to hiking, mountain biking and trail running. Scenic mountain bi-ways, national forests and routes right in town offer ideal adventures a short drive from Yakima.

05 — Follow the Hop Country Craft Beer Trail

The Yakima Valley proudly produces 75% of US hops, helping keep the beer industry brewing while Yakima's craft beer scene continues to hop. Beer lovers can tour local craft breweries independently or ride the Little Hopper - Yakima's Beer Bus.

06 — Try Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing

Fly fish on Washington's only blue ribbon trout stream, the Yakima River. Wade or drift along the winding waterway beneath dramatic basalt cliffs, either independently or with the experts at Red's Fly Shop. Add an overnight stay at Canyon River Lodge for a special trip.

07 — Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Pristine lakes framed by Cascade Mountain peaks make paddling an experience to remember for beginners and experts alike. While staying in Yakima, reserve a place in SUP lessons, group clinics or even SUP yoga, all just a short drive away.

08 — Sip Your Way Through Wine Country

The Yakima Valley is where Washington wine was born. Discover a new favorite among more than 85 wineries across 5 AVAs, all within a short drive around Yakima. Save room for the wineries' tasty bites, including wood-fired pizza and sweet treats.