Accessible Trails in Yakima County

Two routes from western Washington go into Yakima County. The White and Chinook Passes offer scenic drives with spectacular mountain vistas to Naches and the Yakima Valley.

The Chinook Scenic Byway (also known as the Mather Memorial Parkway) is possibly the most scenic route crossing the Cascade Mountain Range, and it is the most accessible road for viewing Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier National Park (which the byway travels through) was established in 1890, and the Mather Parkway was established in 1931. Because of its National Park status, all features in the park are protected.

The route has a uniquely varied landscape. Traveling east, the route climbs through a closed canopy of Douglas Fir. At Chinook Pass, the roadway descends dramatically through the Wenatchee National Forest and along the American River. The road also passes the unique basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau. The byway ends near the fertile agricultural valleys of Yakima County. As you travel down the Pass stop at Whistlin’ Jack Lodge, an award-winning riverfront restaurant, or spend the night in the newly remodeled lodge or cottages.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Department feeds hundreds of elk at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area feeding station (on Highway 12) each winter. A small band of elusive big horn sheep are fed nearby. Although the animals are wild, they are tolerant of visitors.

Besides taking the trails in the area, other activities include wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, or simply car touring up to high lakes, mountain meadows or any of the countless streams throughout this area. Along with fishing, boating and camping is available at nearby Bumping Lake.

White Pass is another beautiful route to the Yakima Valley. A must-see is the Palisades View Point on Highway 12. This 486- foot high canyon is an excellent geological example of columnar jointing. It also provides an excellent backdrop for that special photo.

The Yakima Valley is blessed with excellent weather and has many easy trails and paths to explore. Visit a winery or take home some fruits and vegetables.

See WDFW Yakima Area Wildlife Viewing Website.

Yakima Greenway Trail

Directions:

To get to Rotary Lake (a suggested starting point), exit Interstate 82 at Valley Mall Boulevard. Head north on First Street, turn right on I Street, right on Fourth Street, right on R Street, then follow the dirt road under the freeway to the lake parking lot. The trail is accessible from all parks and landings in Yakima. The Yakima Arboretum also has trail access (see sections below).

Features:

The Yakima Greenway Trail, lined by three parks, two lakes and four river access points, offers scenic beauty stretching for 10 miles between Myron Lake in north Yakima to Valley Mall Boulevard in south Yakima.

A recommended route begins at Rotary Lake, stretches past a playground at Sunrise Rotary Park and extends into the Yakima Arboretum and Botanical Garden. [Trail Map]

Wildlife is abundant along the Greenway areas.  Along with some of the other animals that you may see birds that frequent the area are Great Blue Herons, Canadian Geese, Bald Eagles and The Belted Kingfisher. 

Section 1 - The pathway in this section runs all of the way around Myron Lake and along the south side of Highway 12 to 16th Avenue. The trail is bordered on one side by the freeway and on the other by 3 lakes (Myron Lake, Willow Lake, and Lake Aspen). Myron Lake is open to public fishing.

This section is accessible in the south by the parking lot at 16th Ave. or in the north by the Myron Lake parking lot behind Don's Dry Dock off of Fruitvale Blvd.

Section 2 - The pathway runs between the Yakima River and Naches River and the freeway (both I-82 and US Highway 12).

It also runs past Rotary Lake and Berglund Lake.

There are access areas for this section at 16th Ave., 6th Ave., Harlan Landing and the Rotary Lake parking area.

Section 3 - Rotary Lake Parking to Sarg Hubbard Park

This section runs between I-82 and the Yakima River. There is also a nature trail (not wheelchair accessible) that branches off from the path at the east end of the Rotary Lake parking lot and re-joins the path at Boise Pond across the freeway from Boise Cascade.

Access areas are at the Rotary Lake parking lot and Sarg Hubbard Park.

Section 4 - Sarge Hubbard Park to the South end the Yakima Greenway.

You can reach this section through Sarg Hubbard Park to the north and Sherman Park to the south by the Humane Society. This is the longest section of the Greenway and a prime birdwatching area.

From Sarge Hubbard Park the trail runs along the Yakima river for about 3/4 of a mile and then enters a wooded area by the Arboretum. Several small gravel/dirt trails, which unfortunately are not wheelchair accessible, lead through the trees for wildlife observation.

The trail continues through the Arboretum and south to the Greenway's end point at Valley Mall Blvd.

Sarg Hubbard Park - From I-32 Exit 33. East on Terrace Heights Boulevard 0.3 mile to 18th Street. Right to the entrance. Go either north or south from here. South takes you to a marsh and then past Buchanan Lake to Sherman Park.

Sherman Park - From I-32 Exit 34. East 0.2 mile, then left. Go either north or south. The Yakima Area Arboretum interpretive center is a short distance past the Sherman Park parking lot. Hawthorn plantings are attractive to waxwings, robins, and Varied Thrushes in winter. A variety of sparrows lurk around feeders in the riparian area east of the hawthorn plantings in winter.

The paved Jewett Pathway and the gravel Poppoff Nature Trail are both are good for birds. Look for Wood Ducks in the ponds. Berries of the Russian-olive trees are attractive to American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, and European Starling in winter. Beaver, Muskrat, and Mule Deer are common here. Access this area at the east end of Valley Mall Boulevard (Take I-82 to Exit 34, then go east to parking for the Helen Jewett Pathway)

The arboretum, which is open during all daylight hours, offers literature for free self-guided tours.

Other Info:

Rotary Lake has two wheelchair-accessible fishing piers.

The lake contains mostly Rainbows, but some Brown Trout as well as Largemouth Bass and Sunfish can be caught.

Also see Yakima Greenway website.

If you need convenient lodging in the area, the Oxford Suites Yakima is located adjacent to the trail (photo left). GPS - 46°36'20.39"N, 120°28'43.51"W.

There are many more urban pathways including spur connections than the trails covered on this page. Yakima, like many cities in the Pacific Northwest, has a master plan for expanding their shared pathway system. See their 2008 document for a description of all pathways (starting at page 12).

Include a scenic road trip. Head north from Yakima to Selah and take Wash. 821 north through the Yakima River Canyon.

While in Yakima, eat at Miners Drive-In Resturant known for their famous burgers.

Cowiche Canyon Trail

Directions:

Starting at the 40th Ave/Summitview Ave intersection, drive west 7.2 miles on Summitview Ave. up and over Cowiche Mountain.

As you drop into the Cowiche Valley you will see a large, log veterinary clinic on the right side of the road. Turn right onto Weikel Road just past this log structure.

Drive Weikel Road 0.5 miles and turn right onto the second gravel driveway (just in front of an old fruit warehouse) where Weikel Road takes a sharp turn north. The parking area is marked a couple hundred feet ahead. You must wheel past a house with a couple of vocal donkeys in the yard to reach the trailhead. Sept. 2008 there is a padlocked gate with a path around it that is not accessible. You can pull the left side of the gate off its hinged pins to get into the trail. (I've reported this problem so it may change. If in doubt contact the Cowitche Canyon Conservancy.)

GPS - 46°37'48.41"N, 120°39'47.81"W

If you want to make a one way trip, leave a car or arrange to be picked up at the east trailhead. To reach the upper trailhead, follow the above directions but, from Summitview, go right on 74th St. This connects to Englewood at a "T". Go left to the top of the hill where it dead-ends at 80th. Go left on 80th (a dirt road, but fine) and follow it to the trailhead.

Features:

This is one of those special rail-trails.

In the early 1900's this was a railroad grade, built through the canyon as a way to ship fruit and produce to and from the farming communities of Cowiche and Tieton. The easy, relatively flat 6 mile round trip trail winds through Cowiche Canyon and its lush riparian and not so lush shrub-steppe habitat.

The trail follows Cowiche Creek, crossing it many times via bridges and one concrete structure.

It is a gravel trail that is not suitable for narrow wheelchair tires, but some adventurous wheelers on outdoor mobility scooters or all terrain wheelchair users might consider the trip (with assistance and during dry weather). Be aware that there are some challenges such as sections with large gravel that even some mountain bikers might have problems with. Some of the bridges have a large step up (5-6 inch lip) and no railings. (Sept 2008)

There is an informational kiosk if you take the canyon bottom trail from the lower parking area. The trail descends on a slight grade to the first bridge.

This trail is especially beautiful in the spring when there is contrast between the green vegetation along Cowiche Creek and the browns and yellows of shrub-steppe on the hillsides. Even in late summer the creek keeps the vegetation around it lush.

Most years, wild flowers are blooming in Cowiche Canyon by mid-to-late March, and they continue their colorful show well into June.

The Western Meadowlark can be heard March through June along with the calls of Magpies and the whistling of Yellow-bellied Marmots from their perch on rocks. Pack your wildflower and bird guides as well as a pair of binoculars.

If lucky, you might spot other wildlife including Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Canyon Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Bullock’s Oriole, which are common here. August and September bring large numbers of Cedar Waxwings, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and robins, plucking the many berries from the streamside vegetation.

Other Info:

Bring water. A portable restroom is at the Weikel Road trailhead. Rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison ivy are frequently encountered in the canyon, so watch your step and keep your dog leashed and on the wide trail. Another reason to keep your dog on a leash is that the bridges have no railings. In the Spring, the creek is turbulent making it potentially dangerous even tough the bridges are sturdy and wide.

Lower Yakima Valley Pathway

Directions:

Sunnyside to Prosser.

Sunnyside Trailhead - Follow I-82 to Sunnyside and take exit 67. Turn right onto Yakima Valley Highway and proceed to 16th Street. There is a park-and-ride lot at the start of the trail. GPS - 46°19'38.11"N, 119°59'58.57"W.

Grandview Trailhead - Take exit 73 (Stover Road) to Grandview and turn southeast toward town. You'll find a park-and-ride lot just south of Stover Road. GPS - 46°16'3.94"N, 119°55'17.22"W.

Prosser Trailhead - Take Prosser exit. The trailhead is on the north side of the Yakima River bridge going into Prosser.

The location of the actual trailhead is somewhat of a mystery. One possibility is to park at the rest stop on Merlot Dr. and take a right turn out of the rest stop heading NW. Stop at the intersection, and straight across to Wine Country Road. You can see path off to the left of the road, and if you just keep wheeling, the path is available on the right in a few hundred yards.

Features:

A 14 mile, wheelchair accessible, multipurpose trail with asphalt surface, this rail-trail is located next to busy highway, I-82 and serves as a non-motorized route between local communties. The trail is mostly flat, but has some minor grades along with some rough pavement. The Grandview section runs next to the main street through town. There's water at the East Grandview Trailhead and the route from Grandview to Sunnyside has some benches.

The Lower Valley County Park is about 2 miles from the Sunnyside Trailhead. The park has restrooms, water, and shade.

Other Info:

There are many local wineries, landmarks, and farmers and orchardists fruit and vegetable stands along Interstate 82 through the north end of the Yakima Valley. Winery tour brochures are available from regional chambers of commerce, the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau or from the wineries.

In Zillah visit the Teapot Dome gas station at exit 54. It's a relic of the "highway culture" trend in the 1920s and '30s. Take a car tour along Zillah's 10-mile Fruit loop tour through orchards in the hills above Zillah.

Toppenish Wildlife Refuge

Directions:

From Toppenish, take Highway 97 south approximately 10 miles.The refuge is on the west side of the road.

Features:

A short, paved, wheelchair-accessible path leads from the first parking area to a wildlife observation overlook.

The 1-mile Wildlife Foot Trail, which follows Toppenish Creek to the refuge headquarters/maintenance office is flat, mowed grass and may be accessible to some wheelers with wide tires.

The 2,000-acre refuge is an important feeding and resting area for waterfowl and other migratory birds using the Pacific Flyway. Toppenish and Snake creeks (supplemented with summer irrigation) provide wetlands and riparian areas and the nearby upland slopes of Toppenish Ridge and the Horse Heaven Hills offer a dry shrub-steppe habitat of sagebrush and grasses. Local farmers, under a cooperative agreement to provide food for waterfowl, produce crops on several hundred acres including corn, barley, wheat and alfalfa.

Other:

There are no facilities at the refuge. Dogs are allowed on leash. (Beware of ticks in spring and summer.)

The public use areas are open from 5 a.m. to 90 minutes after sunset (except during hunting season). Call first at 509-546-8300 or 509-865-2405. The refuge is administered from the Mid-Columbia River Complex in Oregon, so office hours are limited. The subheadquarters on the refuge is periodically staffed in the early morning and late afternoon.

Sunnyside Wildlife Area (WDFW)

Directions:

Take exit 67 from I-82 and go south on Midvale Rd to Green Valley Rd. Go west for 1 mile, then turn left (south) onto Snipes Pump Rd to wildlife area.

Features:

Maintained natural road system may be suitable for wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms and fishing. Wildlife Viewing - Duck blind at Giffin Lake, by reservation only. Dock/float, boat launch available. Camping area not wheelchair accessible.

Clear Lake Day-Use Area (USDA FS)

Directions:

Near White Pass on Hwy 12 Milepost 158.5. From Naches, drive W on US 12 for 38 mi to Clear Lake turnoff. Turn left. Continue to site located on the N side of lake.

GPS - 46°37'34.37"N, 121°16'12.83"W

Features:

0.5 mi accessible nature trail with platforms over lake.

Other Info:

Day use only. All facilities are accessible.

Pleasant Valley Interpretive Trail

Directions:

Located 50 miles northwest of Yakima on the American River. From I-82 in Yakima, head northwest on Hwy 12 for 17 miles, passing through Naches to the junction with SR 410. Take SR 410 northwest for 33 miles to the campground on the left. Find the trailhead at the day use area just after turning south of SR 410 into the Pleasant Valley Campground.

GPS - 46°56'33.28"N, 121°19'31.16"W

Features:

The Pleasant Valley Interpretive Trail is a one mile accessible trail that winds through old-growth forest. The paved trail is 3-4 feet wide and has a couple of minor grades. There is a side trail to a forested overlook of the river.

Other:

The small campground, located on American River, has barrier-free vault toilets. This campground is popular with RVers as the sites are big. There are good sites on the water and meadow loop (sites 16 and 17).

Sawmill Flat Interpretive Trail

Directions:

Located 38 miles west of Yakima on the Naches River. From I-82 in Yakima, head northwest on Hwy 12 for 17 miles, passing through Naches to the junction with SR 410. Take SR 410 northwest for 21 miles.

The campground is on the left, but the trail is in the day use area on the north side of the highway.

GPS - 46°58'31.85"N, 121° 5'47.32"W

Features:

The Sawmill Flat Interpretive Trail is a 1/4 mile paved, accessible trail through the open Ponderosa pine forest. The trail is 3-4 feet wide with interpretive signage.

Other:

Popular with familes, the small 24 site campground is located among the pines on Naches River right across the highway from the day use area. (good fishing, but not accessible). The campground has one barrier-free site. Non-ADA vault toilets and handpump.

Boulder Cave - River Trail

Directions:

From Naches, drive NW on SR 410 (Chinook Pass) for 25 miles. Near the town of Cliffdell, between mileposts 95 and 96, turn south on FR 1709 (follow signs) and drive 1.25 miles to the trailhead.

GPS - 46°57'11.26"N, 121° 5'8.28"W

Features:

The 3/4-mile River Trail interpretive loop is a paved wheelchair accessible trail that follows the Naches River before returning to the campground and parking area. An interpretive brochure is available at the trailhead. Resting benches and quaint wooden bridges are found along the trail.

The nearby Boulder Cave trail is not wheelchair accessible, but might be suitable for some slow walkers. The gravel trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip with a 200-foot elevation gain with some steep slopes that power scooters are unable to take. Perhaps an adventurous wheeler with assistance and an all-terrain wheelchair might handle it. Use caution - the trail can be slippery in places. The Boulder Cave trail starts behind the intrepretive sign in the parking lot. The trail gradually climbs through a forest of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine along the northeast side of Devil Creek. In less than a half mile it reaches a junction. You can take either path to complete the loop. Both trails descend to Devil's Creek before entering the cave. Bring along a flashlight and water bottle. There is no drinking water available on the trail.

Most of Washington's caves are limestone caverns or lava tubes, but Boulder Cave was formed from erosion and weathering processes. As lava flows cooled between volcanic eruptions, deposits of soil and loose rock were trapped between hard layers of material. Over time Devil's Creek slowly cut a deep channel through the basalt surface and the softer layer beneath. Eventually a hollow pocket was formed. The pocket collapsed thousands of years ago, forming an archway through which Devil's Creek still flows today.

Other Info:

Boulder Cave is closed from Nov. 1 through April 1 to protect Townsend's bats, a big-eared species that hibernates and nests there in the winter.

Fee Use area. Boulder Cave Campground, with parking and a picnic area, is located near the trailhead. Whislin' Jack Lodge is nearby if you want more comfortable lodging.

Able-bodied companions can take the trail up to Lower Devil Creek Falls. To reach the falls, rock hop upstream from Boulder Caves for about 200 feet around a large boulder to where the falls are visible (you'll hear them before you see them).

Oak Creek Wildlife Area (WDFW)

Directions:

20 miles west of Yakima on US-12.

Features:

Wildlife viewing area known for its Winter elk and bighorn sheep feeding station - bighorn sheep, deer, eagles and, if you're extremely fortunate, a cougar perched on the canyon's rimrock.

No trail, but visit here on your way to some of the trails in the area such as Cowiche Canyon Trail (covered below).

Other:

Elk viewing shelter, RV camping, telephone. Accessible restrooms, camping (RV sites), water, picnic tables, Interpretive station, shelter.