Washington's scenery is incredibly diverse, making it the ultimate spot for road trips. Whether you're in the mood for an oceanside cruise or a mountainous drive, our scenic byways will deliver. The Evergreen State is also full of off-the-beaten-path byways and back roads that are always worth exploring. If you happen to find yourself in Central Washington, don't miss the chance to take the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. It's one of the best scenic drives in Washington State.
The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 821, is a 25-mile stretch of highway that runs between Yakima and Ellensburg.
This is a fairly efficient alternative to I-82, but it's not very well known.
The route follows the Yakima River through the canyon, dividing the hills of sage-covered desert between Yakima and Ellensburg.
This world-class drive is short, but it's extremely memorable.
The Yakima River runs between basalt cliffs and steep hills, making for some seriously unique scenery.
In some spots, the cliffs rise almost 2,000 feet above the river.
Not only is this a fantastic drive, but it also happens to be a great starting point for numerous hiking trails.
The Umtanum Creek Recreation Site has some fantastic hikes.
The canyon is also well-known for its year-round outdoor recreation.
You'll often spot people fly fishing in the river or floating the river in the summertime.
But even if you just drive from one end to the other, you'll have an amazing experience.
This drive will make you fall in love with our state all over again.
The best part about choosing to take the Yakima Scenic Byway from Yakima to Ellensburg instead of I-82 is that it doesn't add a significant amount of time to your drive. You can take in all the stunning scenery and still arrive at your destination on time. And if you don't have time to check out this hidden gem anytime soon, take a virtual tour with this informative YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/5bDCqM5TBUw
Have you taken a ride on the Yakima Canyon road? What was your experience? Let us know below in the comments section.
If you're looking for more Washington road trip content then check out these outstanding road trips in Washington. And don't forget to check out our ultimate road trip packing list before hitting the road!
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