| alert |
|
| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
The gentle Yakima River winds for 27 miles through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. This area is popular for wildlife viewing, fishing, and floating the river. |
| drivingDirection |
Located along the Washington State Scenic Byway of Highway 821 between the cities of Ellensburg and Yakima: Umtanum will be near Mile Post 16, Lmuma Creek will be near Mile Post 12, Big Pines will be near Mile Post 8, and Roza near Mile Post 7. |
| facilitiesDescription |
All four BLM-managed recreation sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, nearby dumpsters and vault toilets. Hookups and potable water are not provided. Big Pines campground is where the majority of the campsites are located, and contains two group campsites. Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, and Roza also offer campsites. Umtanum and Roza receive high day-use visitation during the summer months. Roza offers a concrete boat launch. Motorboats are prohibited upstream from Roza. |
| facility |
Yakima River Canyon |
| facilityID |
72485 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72485&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
Limited cellphone coverage. River Safety: Motorized boats are only allowed between the Roza Ramp and the Roza Dam. (1/2 mile) There are no hookup services and no potable water. Be aware of rattlesnakes and bees. Starting May 15, 2016 and moving forward, all users are required to pay and display on their vehicle(s) valid permits for overnight ($15.00 per night) or day use ($5.00 per day).Washington State Discovery Passes are NOT valid on BLM-managed lands. The reservation system is only available from May 1 - Sept 30 of each year.After reservation season has ended all camping and day use will need to use the self-serve fee pay station on each site. Maximum length of stay is 7 days. Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings. Fishing is catch and release only. Off-road vehicles are not allowed in the campgrounds. Yakima River Canyon does contain private land, be aware of where you are. Campsites are limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site. Dogs must be on a leash. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
The cities of Ellensburg and Yakima, Central Washington University, and Cowiche Canyon trails are near by. Umtanum recreation site offers a footbridge to cross the Yakima River and access to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands. |
| note |
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| orientationDescription |
Within the Yakima River Canyon there are four developed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites with river access: Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the massive basalt cliffs, rolling desert hills, riparian vegetation, and the cool water of the Yakima River. |
| recreationDescription |
The Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination for plant and wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, various birds of prey, and mule deer. This section of the river is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, but is catch and release only. One of the most popular summer activities is floating the river, which is a family friendly Class 1 river. Rafters often put in at Umtanum and take out at Roza. |