Why Yakima
Yakima is a city located in central Washington's Upper Valley, approximately 60 miles southeast of Mount Rainier. Serving as the seat of Yakima County, the city sits within a prominent agricultural basin fed by the Yakima River and its tributary, the Naches River. The surrounding region is renowned for its vast orchards and fields, yielding rich harvests of apples, cherries, pears, peaches, melons, and various vegetables. It is particularly famous for its beverage crops, hosting over ninety wineries and supplying roughly 77 percent of all hops grown in the United States.
The region was originally inhabited by the Yakama people, whose reservation lies just south of the city. Following the arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, European-American homesteaders settled in the area, establishing a Catholic mission in 1847. Conflicts led to the construction of Fort Simcoe in 1856 and the subsequent relocation of Native populations. The city itself was relocated on rollers and horse teams in 1884 to align with the Northern Pacific Railroad line, incorporating as North Yakima before adopting its current name in 1918.
Visitors can explore local heritage and culture through several dedicated institutions. The Yakima Valley Museum displays exhibits detailing the natural history and human background of the region, accompanied by a restored soda fountain. Performing arts thrive at historic venues like the Capitol Theatre and Seasons Performance Hall, alongside productions by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. Visual arts are showcased at the Allied Arts Center and through rotating exhibitions at the Larson Gallery. Large-scale events, including the annual Central Washington State Fair, take place at State Fair Park and the adjacent Yakima SunDome.
Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from extensive green spaces integrated into the urban landscape. The Yakima Greenway encompasses 20 miles of paved pathways, nature reserves, and riverfront parks, including Sarg Hubbard Park. Summer recreation often centers on nearby bodies of water such as Rotary Lake, Lake Aspen, and Myron Lake, which attract anglers and swimmers. Additionally, the Yakima Area Arboretum presents a rich collection of native and adapted plant species, while seasonal historic trolley rides operate along five miles of track between Yakima and nearby Selah.
Downtown Yakima features pedestrian-friendly avenues adorned with landscaping, water features, and historic architecture. The commercial core centers around Front Street and Yakima Avenue, offering local dining, craft beverage venues, and community gatherings such as the Fresh Hop Ale Fest and the Yakima Folklife Festival. Situated in a mountain rain shadow at an elevation of 1,095 feet, Yakima experiences a cold semi-arid climate with low annual precipitation of around eight inches. Summers bring hot, dry afternoons with high temperature variations, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall.
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