Adventure Awaits
From the rolling hills of the Kittitas Valley to the dramatic cliffs of the Yakima River Canyon, Lower Kittitas County offers an incredible variety of outdoor recreation and opportunities to explore Central Washington.
With Ellensburg serving as the region's recreational hub, visitors and residents can enjoy everything from river rafting and fly fishing to hiking, biking, camping, wildlife watching, and family outings at local parks. The combination of sunshine, wide-open landscapes, and easy access to public lands makes Lower County an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking for an afternoon adventure or planning an entire weekend outdoors, there's plenty to discover.
Wide-Open Spaces and Outdoor Adventures: Discover Recreation in Lower Kittitas County, Washington
The Yakima River: A Recreation Destination
One of Lower Kittitas County's greatest natural treasures is the Yakima River. Flowing through the valley and into the spectacular Yakima River Canyon, the river provides year-round opportunities for fishing, floating, rafting, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the outdoors.
The Yakima River is especially well known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing. Anglers travel from throughout the Pacific Northwest to experience its renowned fly-fishing waters and beautiful surroundings.
During warmer months, floating the river is a popular summer activity. Tubing, rafting, and kayaking offer opportunities to enjoy the scenery from the water, although river conditions and currents should always be considered before launching. Proper safety equipment, including life jackets, is essential.
Explore the Yakima River Canyon
Just south of Ellensburg, the Yakima River Canyon is one of Central Washington's most
impressive natural attractions. Stretching approximately 27 miles between Ellensburg
and Yakima, the canyon features towering basalt cliffs, rolling shrub-steppe hills, and
the winding Yakima River.
The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway provides access to spectacular scenery, hiking
opportunities, fishing locations, and several Bureau of Land Management recreation areas.
Popular destinations include Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza recreation
sites. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, river access, fishing, and wildlife observation.
The canyon is also a remarkable destination for birdwatching. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and
other birds of prey can often be spotted soaring above the cliffs. For photographers, nature
lovers, and anyone looking for a scenic drive, the canyon is a must-see Lower County
destination.
Hiking and Exploring the Outdoors
Lower Kittitas County offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from easy nature walks to more challenging trails with panoramic views.
Manastash Ridge is a popular destination for hikers looking for exercise and sweeping views of the Kittitas Valley. The surrounding trail network provides opportunities for exploring the foothills and enjoying the area's natural landscape.
Closer to town, Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park provides walking trails and access to the Yakima River. It is a favorite destination for families, walkers, dog owners, and anyone wanting to spend time outdoors without traveling far from Ellensburg.
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail also passes through the region, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and exploring the historic railroad corridor.
Parks, Family Activities and Outdoor Fun
You don't have to travel far from town to find outdoor recreation in Lower County. Ellensburg maintains an extensive park system with opportunities for sports, walking, biking, picnicking, and family activities.
Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park is one of the area's standout destinations, featuring river access, trails, picnic areas, swimming opportunities, disc golf, and open space.
Rotary Park offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and a mountain bike skills course. Other community parks throughout Ellensburg provide places for children to play, families to gather, and residents to enjoy the outdoors.
For those interested in local history, Olmstead Place Historical State Park offers a different kind of outdoor experience. Visitors can explore a preserved historic homestead and learn about the agricultural heritage of the Kittitas Valley.
Fishing Beyond the Yakima River
While the Yakima River attracts fly-fishing enthusiasts, Lower Kittitas County has additional fishing opportunities for families and anglers of all experience levels. Local lakes and ponds, including Mattoon Lake, Fiorito Lakes, and Lavender Lake, provide additional opportunities to spend time fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
The Columbia River, along the eastern edge of Kittitas County, offers another recreational destination, with opportunities for fishing and boating. Whether you're an experienced angler or introducing children to fishing for the first time, the region offers plenty of places to cast a line.
Wildlife Watching and Open-Space Adventures
The landscapes of Lower Kittitas County are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, located west of Ellensburg, features a combination of forest, shrub-steppe, and riparian habitats. The area supports elk, deer, bighorn sheep, birds of prey, and numerous other wildlife species.
The Yakima River Canyon is another excellent destination for wildlife watching, particularly for visitors interested in birds and the unique plants and animals that thrive in the canyon environment.
These natural areas offer opportunities for photography, hiking, nature observation, and experiencing the diverse landscapes of Central Washington.
Camping and Scenic Getaways
For visitors who want to make a weekend of their outdoor adventure, Lower Kittitas County offers camping opportunities along the Yakima River and throughout surrounding public lands.
The recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon provide opportunities for camping close to the water, with beautiful canyon scenery as a backdrop.
For a more developed camping experience, private RV parks and campgrounds near Ellensburg provide additional lodging options and convenient access to local attractions. With its open landscapes, star-filled skies, and peaceful natural settings, Lower County offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
A Place to Enjoy Every Season
Lower Kittitas County offers something special throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers, flowing streams, and ideal hiking weather. Summer is the season for river floats, fishing, boating, camping, and family outings. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding hills and cooler temperatures for outdoor exploration. Winter offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the valley.
Whether you live in the area or are visiting Central Washington, Lower Kittitas County offers countless ways to get outside and experience the region. From the riverbanks of Ellensburg to the dramatic landscapes of the Yakima River Canyon, adventure is never far away.
Come explore Lower Kittitas County. Discover the scenery, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories along the way.
Useful visitor resources
MyAroundTown.com — From the Cascades to the Columbia River.
