Things to Do in Yakima

For more than 20 years, The Evening Hatch's CPR- and first aid–certified guides have led relaxing full- and half-day river tours down the scenic Yakima and Klickitat Rivers. Guides offer info and anecdotes about the varied flora, fauna, and history of the area, and rafts frequently stop along the river to drop off loot plundered from other rafts and take on more food and drink.

Home to the state's largest freestanding bouldering island, New Jersey Rock Gym houses 12,000 square feet of vertical terrain to climb as well as 41 top roping stations. Armed with either day passes or membership, guests scamper up the gym's synthetic summits, hoping to ask questions of the learned ceiling light sequestered at the top of the mountain. While gear is included with some membership options, guests can opt to bring their own materials or rent the individual shoes ($5), harnesses ($4), or chalk bags ($2) they need from the pro shop. New Jersey Rock Gym offers a collection of educational course work in the vertical arts, teaching belay technique to beginners or advanced skills to adults. Children can also take advantage of youth climbing programs, mini camps, and birthday parties before retiring to private refreshment chambers to absorb bottles of electrolyte-infused refreshment. The nearby pro shop outfits climbers with name-brand gear for purchase, while a WiFi lounge transmits terabytes of data into nearby electronic devices or unsecured cyborg brains.

Following a strict Leave No Trace philosophy, Backcountry Adventure Guides instills environmental stewardship in each of its participants as they venture on fitness-filled nature jaunts. Whether climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing, the trio of guides—all of whom boast extensive outdoor sports backgrounds—uses each trek as an opportunity to stress the importance of preserving our natural surroundings and refusing to shave Bigfoot no matter how much money he offers.

From the 6,820-foot elevation at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, the peaks of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier are visible to the southeast. The view is the first of several spectacular vistas at the resort, where 36 trails span across 2,000 acres and sunshine and dry snow occur regularly. Trails in the Cascade Mountains range from double-black-diamond plunges at the top of the mountain to easy green runs for beginners. The B.24 Terrain Park and JIBerator Rope Tow Park feature freestyle terrain for skiing and boarding, along with rails, boxes, and jumps. Experienced slope-conquerors offer lessons for fledgling mountaineers, and the resort brims with shopping, dining, and lodging options nearby for long-term visitors. Wineries and breweries are also nearby, and Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort is 19 kilometres from Wentachee and 56 kilometres from Leavenworth.