Umtanum Recreation Area Washington
A scenic Washington gem for Yakima River floats, hiking through canyons, and observing diverse wildlife. Popular for summer tubing and fall colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for river floating fun
Umtanum Recreation Area Washington
Best Time
Perfect for river floating fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic Washington gem for Yakima River floats, hiking through canyons, and observing diverse wildlife. Popular for summer tubing and fall colors.
"Gorgeous area with plentiful birds, insects, and desert-steppe plants; watch for rattlesnakes!"
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
A $5 parking permit is required, payable by cash or card at the kiosk. :ticket:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious of rattlesnakes on trails, especially from April to September. :snake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yakima River Float
Yakima River
Experience the refreshing Yakima River by tubing or floating. Popular routes include Umtanum to Roza, or shorter floats from Ringer or Bighorn Campground.
Suspension Bridge Canyon Hike
North side of the river
Hike up a pleasant canyon accessible via a pedestrian suspension bridge. Best explored in cooler months due to potential rattlesnake activity.
Fall Colors & Birding
Main canyon trails
Enjoy vibrant fall foliage and diverse birdwatching opportunities along the trails, particularly on the south side of the creek.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
River Floating Hotspot
Trail Navigation & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wading spots between the pass and Ellensburg
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
A $5 parking permit is required, payable by cash or card at the kiosk. :ticket:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious of rattlesnakes on trails, especially from April to September. :snake:
Best things to see east of the cascades on a day trip from Seattle?
What are your favorite things to do around here?
🥾 Trail Navigation
Some trails can be overgrown with unmarked forks. Use a map or GPS for better navigation. :compass:
🛶 River Take-Out
Pay close attention to the left shore for take-out spots, especially before the suspension bridge. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Permit Needed
A $5 parking permit is required, payable by cash or card at the kiosk. :ticket:
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious of rattlesnakes on trails, especially from April to September. :snake:
🥾 Trail Navigation
Some trails can be overgrown with unmarked forks. Use a map or GPS for better navigation. :compass:
🛶 River Take-Out
Pay close attention to the left shore for take-out spots, especially before the suspension bridge. :kayak:
🚂 Train Track Safety
Supervise children closely near active train tracks on the north side of the river. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Umtanum Recreation Area is a popular spot for Yakima River floating and offers scenic hiking trails with diverse wildlife. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty, especially during fall, and the opportunities for birdwatching. However, some trails can be poorly marked, and caution is advised due to rattlesnakes and active train tracks.
"Gorgeous area with a main trail through the main canyon as well as a long loop through a shorter side canyon that splits of just after the train tracks and quickly head up. The main trail follows along the south side of the creek for more than a mile, but later crosses the creek to the Northside. There is no bridge but it's usually easy to rock jump or cross logs. Around the old cluster of big locust trees are some good places to cross. The birds, insects, snakes, and desert-steppe plants are plentiful and diverse. Watch out for rattlesnakes from April to September. Saw two just the other day."
Mike Cline
"Very nice place for fall colors. We were late, will come back next fall"
Binh Tran
"$5 to park, but worth it to access the trails on the others of the river that have great birding, wildflowers and views"
Damon Tighe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Umtanum Recreation Area is located off I-90 in Washington. It's a popular destination for river access and hiking. The area is accessible by car, with a parking fee required.
While it's a popular spot, some users mention unmarked trail forks, so having a map or GPS can be helpful for exploring the area beyond the main river access points.
Umtanum Recreation Area serves as a great put-in or take-out point for tubing and floating the Yakima River. Popular routes are well-documented by locals.
The recreation area is relatively remote, so it's advisable to bring any necessary supplies with you. The nearest services would be in nearby towns along I-90.
While river activities are seasonal, the trails are generally accessible year-round, though cooler months are recommended for hiking due to wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a $5 parking fee required to access the recreation area and its trails. You can purchase a permit at the kiosk using cash or card.
The recreation area is generally open for public access, but specific hours for facilities like restrooms or the kiosk may vary. It's best to check local information if you have specific timing needs.
No advance booking is typically required for river floating. However, on hot summer weekends, the parking lot can get packed with tubers, so arriving early is recommended.
Information regarding camping permits is not detailed in the provided reviews. It's advisable to check with the relevant authorities for camping regulations and fees.
Yes, the kiosk at Umtanum Recreation Area accepts both cash and card payments for the $5 parking permit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There's a main trail through the canyon and a longer loop through a side canyon. Some trails follow the creek, while others cross it. Be aware of potential overgrowth and unmarked forks.
Absolutely! The trails, especially those along the river and creek, offer great opportunities for birding, with diverse bird species reported.
You can encounter a variety of wildlife including birds, insects, and snakes. Rattlesnakes are present from April to September, so exercise caution.
The Yakima River is popular for tubing and floating. However, always be aware of river conditions, currents, and potential hazards.
Reviews mention a parking lot and a kiosk for permits. Specific details about restrooms or picnic areas are not extensively covered, but it's a popular spot for lunch stops.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic beauty of the Yakima River, the pedestrian suspension bridge, and the diverse desert-steppe landscape. Fall colors offer particularly stunning photographic moments.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the natural beauty of the canyon and river. Consider the season for unique photographic subjects like wildflowers or fall foliage.
The trails along the south side of the creek and the area around the suspension bridge offer excellent vantage points for capturing the landscape and river.
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially rattlesnakes. Use a zoom lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
Yes, there are active train tracks on the north side of the river. However, exercise extreme caution and never trespass on the tracks or allow children to play on them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When hiking, stick to the more established main trails and be aware of potential overgrowth and unmarked paths, which could be challenging for younger children. The presence of rattlesnakes from April to September also requires constant supervision and adherence to trail safety. Consider packing plenty of snacks and water, as facilities might be limited.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
The fall season is particularly rewarding, with the landscape transforming into a canvas of warm colors. While some trails can be less maintained, the adventurous spirit will find rewarding exploration opportunities. Just remember to tread carefully and be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes during warmer months.
☀️ Summer Tubers & Floaters
Remember to plan your float route and take-out point carefully, as some exits can be easily missed. The $5 parking fee is a small price to pay for access to this quintessential summer experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Yakima River Float
When approaching the pedestrian suspension bridge, tubers are advised to paddle close to the left shore to spot the take-out. This exit can be easily missed if you're not paying attention, as it's small and appears suddenly. There's another small take-out just after the bridge as well. If you plan to float the lower canyon, Umtanum is an excellent starting point, with Lmuma, Big Pines, or Roza as potential take-out destinations.
Be prepared for significant crowds on hot summer weekends, as the parking lot will likely be packed with tubers. The $5 parking fee is standard, and a kiosk is available for payment via cash or card.
Hiking Trails and Wildlife Encounters
However, hikers should be aware that some trails can become overgrown, and unmarked forks can lead to confusion, necessitating backtracking.
Photography Opportunities
For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The trails along the creek and the vicinity of the suspension bridge provide excellent vantage points. When photographing wildlife, such as the diverse bird population, maintain a respectful distance and utilize zoom lenses to capture clear shots without disturbing the animals.
Remember to exercise extreme caution if photographing near the active train tracks on the north side of the river. Safety should always be the top priority, and it's crucial to avoid trespassing on the tracks or allowing children to play in their vicinity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit