The Yakima Greenway is a paved, multi-use trail that snakes its way along the Yakima river from the town of Naches to Selah and all the way down to Union Gap at the southern end of the Valley. The more than 20-mile-long trail features several parks, fishing areas, and a playground, as well as restrooms along the way. You can also park in the lot off of 16th and highway 12 for a mid-way point. Check out yakimagreenway.org for maps, details and events. 💡 IHY WISDOM: We like to park behind McIlrath Family Farms at 10 Old Naches Hwy, Yakima, WA 98908, eat breakfast at Suntides Golf Course before heading outin either direction. If the season is right, you can pick up all the local goods for your next meal from McIlrath after your ride!

🗺️ Google Map of this general location

(📷: Caitlin Towry/Instagram)

This 3-mile-long rail trail runs along the beautiful Cowiche Creek in Yakima’s west valley. The gravel path in the canyon has several worthwhile detours along the way. To the south, a steep connector climbs to the Cowiche Uplands Trails, which offer scenic views of the Yakima Valley. To the north, a short trail leads to the Wilridge Winery Tasting Room (and we all know wine is the best recovery drink!). Parking for the east-end trailhead is at the end of Cowiche Canyon Road. Learn more about Cowiche Canyon here where you’ll find maps, events, and information about the conservancy.

💡 IHY WISDOM: See the CCC website for a word about wildlfe: CCC lands are home to animals that pose safety risks to humans. Cougars, bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes have all been spotted. These animals deserve your respect. For useful information about what to do if you encounter these animals, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Living With Wildlife portion of their website.

🗺️ Google Map of this general location

(📷: Jonathan Shipley/Instagram)

Just across the road from the Cowiche Uplands Trails is the Rocky Top trail system. Located on a hillside behind Anderson Gravel, these trails offer slightly more challenging (steeper) terrain with beautiful views and gorgeous wildflowers in the spring. The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy website has additional information about this area as well as trail condition information.

💡 IHY WISDOM: Bring your pup on the trail. The rules are simple: clean up after them and have them on leash at busy trail heads. Read more here.

🗺️ Google Map of this general location

(📷: Kemper Brightman)

This easy hike parallels the Tieton river for 3.5 miles and features beautiful views of the Tieton valley and its namesake river. The Tieton valley is popular with rock climbers, so don’t be surprised if you see some of them on the adjacent rock formations. The trailhead is about 20 minutes from downtown Yakima and starts directly across from the Oak Creek Wildlife Center. We highly recommend stopping at Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co. for some “recovery” pizza and beer on your way back to town.

💡 IHY WISDOM: Washington Trails Association has additional about this trail and during the winter, head over to Oak Creek Wildlife Center to check out “the supplemental winter feeding of the Yakima elk herd – up to 1,200 animals, including 90 branched-antlered bulls.”

🗺️ Google Map of this general location

(📷: Kemper Brightman)

If you only have an hour and need a good workout with a rewarding view, you’ll want to check out the Ahtanum Ridge trail. The trail starts on a gravel pathway adjacent to the Central Washington Museum of Agriculture and steeply climbs the Ahtanum Ridge to its crest, gaining nearly 600ft in just under a mile. Beautiful 360-degree views of the Yakima Valley are a great reward for the effort.

💡 IHY WISDOM: If you need another reward, we highly recommend the shakes at Pepp’rmint Stick in Union Gap.

🗺️ Google Map of this general location (the trail head is behind the Central Washington Agricultural Museum)

(📷: @fonzepantz/Instagram)

If you’ve driven through downtown Yakima, you’ve probably realized our definition of “skyline” isn’t so much about the tall buildings as it is about the surrounding valleys, rivers, and shrub-steppe hills. The Yakima Skyline Trail is a great way to see exactly what we mean. On clear days you’ll be able to see Mt Adams and Mt Rainer, the Yakima River valley, and the small town of Selah just by turning around a few degrees.

💡 IHY WISDOM: Be aware that this is a steep hike with little to no shade along the way, so make sure you have water and sunscreen. Washington Trails Association has maps, trip reports and more information on this route.

🗺️ Google Map of this general location

(📷: Jim Randolph/Instagram)