Best Pacific Northwest Drives - Yakima River Canyon
Best Pacific Northwest Drives – Yakima River Canyon
The slow road between Ellensburg and Yakima follows the Yakima River through a stunning canyon, with a magnificent driving road to match. Evidence of Ice Age floods is everywhere in the terraced basalt cliffs as the river winds its way through the hills. It is only two hours from Seattle, though that may seem a long way to go for a 21 mile drive. It is worth it. To make a weekend trip of it consider taking Highway 2 to Leavenworth, do some skiing / hiking / snowshoeing / tubing, and the next day cross Blewitt Pass. Highway 97 over the pass is a joy to drive in itself.
From wherever you start the day, set your GPS for Red’s Fly Shop. There is only one way to get there up or down the canyon. It also happens to have excellent fly fishing instruction and a very good restaurant.
From there you can zoom back to Seattle on I-90, or go south and follow the Columbia River Gorge for a big, glorious loop. See the Waterfalls to Mountains post for ideas on that.