This last weekend we did a 35-mile round trip ride through the scenic Yakima River Canyon. It is a fund raiser for Crimestoppers (so please do not complain about the enterance fee,like the guy in front of us at registration). They close the road for the afternoon and you can ride at any pace. The road follows the Yakima River up a gentle grade with few hills. Certainly family friendly, our kids did just fine. You do not have to complete the course. If you know your kid’s limits, simply gauge your distance and turn around at any point. There are pit stops along the way offering bathrooms, water and snacks. There are also volunteers patrolling the course for those in need of assistance or repairs. Hats off to the organizers, it is just a very well organized event. It is a great ride for any skill level. To slow down and not pass by at 75 miles per hour is a genuine treat.
Why You Should Visit from the Nature Conservancy
Sheer basalt rock cliffs frame the Yakima River Canyon, casting shadows on the sparkling waters below. Located between Yakima and Ellensburg, the 15-mile canyon rises as much as 2,000 feet above the river that carved it. These rock faces are home to the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles and falcons in the state. A rare plant—the endangered basalt daisy—grows only in the Yakima River Canyon and one of its tributaries.
