"Take An Alternate Route"

Want to get out of the fast lane, slow down, and let nature nourish your soul?

Take the alternate route between Ellensburg and Yakima, in either direction, the Yakima River Canyon Road.  While the I-82 freeway climbs high over Manastash Ridge, (elevation 2672’) through a sagebrush “moonscape”, WA State Route 821 (SR 821) winds and meanders through the Yakima River Canyon. About 20 miles long, it follows the path of the river, lined with steep hills of basalt, red rocks, and a few trees, as well as the ever-present desert sagebrush.

The scenery is stark and dramatic in any season.  Icy frost in winter may create a monochromatic crystal-white scene, and bald eagles come to feed in January and February. Spring sunshine sparkles in the waters of the river, as it fills and flows with snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains. In late summer and fall, river rafters float through the Canyon, taking advantage of long daylight hours and the coolness of the river, while big horn sheep roam the steep hillsides. A few twists and turns of the river are lined with trees of  gold and brown in autumn, where anglers stand in waders, painting a quintessential scene of Yakima River Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing.

This year, 2007, the 7^th Annual Yakima River Marathon takes place on Saturday, Mar.31^st, sponsored by a local runners club.  About four times a year, there are organized bicycle rides through the Canyon. The road is two lanes, and follows the contour of the river, sometimes at river level, and sometimes on hillsides above the river. The visual experience changes with the seasons and the light of the day. Bring your camera! Whatever form of transportation you choose – auto, bicycle, raft, or your own two feet – don’t miss this scenic road through the Yakima River Canyon. Perhaps eons from now, the Yakima River may have carved Washington’s version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  Time will tell. 

Comments

No Comments