Discover Wildlife Across the Yakima Valley

Wildlife Viewing

Yakima Valley Wildlife Viewing Spots

With rocky ridges, grassy slopes, expansive meadows, rivers, and lakes, the Yakima Valley provides an ideal home for a diverse array of wildlife. Federally managed wildlife preserves sit near naturally occurring habitats, creating many convenient ways to see wildlife. The Valley's 300 days of sunshine each year also offer abundant opportunities to explore outdoors.

Chinook and White Pass are home to Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, deer, birds of prey, songbirds, blue herons, osprey, wood ducks, grouse and a large variety of amphibians. At the Yakima River Canyon, basalt cliffs shelter the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in WA State. The Yakima Area Arboretum, meanwhile, supports hundreds of species of birds and small mammals.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area

At the entrance to White Pass, the Tieton River Valley is known among the climbing community for its solid rock quality and variety of routes. It remains one of the Valley's best kept secrets.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 22 miles

Yakima River Canyon

Follow the Yakima River for 27 miles and look for rich wildlife, including the highest concentration of hawks, eagles and falcons in Washington.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 21 miles

Toppenish Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1964 as a preserve for migratory waterfowl, this federally managed habitat covers nearly 2,000 acres. Today, it also provides a home for many other birds and resident wildlife species.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 24 miles

Cowiche Canyon

Cowiche Canyon offers a beautiful setting for watching hundreds of varieties of birds and raptors. Hike to the butterfly conservancy, while staying alert for rattlesnakes.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 9 miles

Yakima Greenway

The Yakima Greenway features an 18-mile paved pathway with several wildlife viewing platforms. Pause along the route to search for blue herons, bald eagles, river trout and more.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 1 mile

Yakima Area Arboretum

Explore the 46 acres of the pristine Yakima Arboretum and watch for the hundreds of varieties of birds that inhabit the grounds throughout the year.

Distance from the Visitor Information Center: 2.4 miles