About – Yakima River Tubing

FAMILY OWNED

Born on the Yak

Yakima River Tubing is a father-son run family business born out of a lifelong love for Central Washington’s river canyons. We started this outfit because we fell in love with this river — its 2,000-ft basalt canyon walls, soaring bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and calm floating waters.

We realized tubing through these waters could be the perfect way for families and friends to disconnect, relax, and create lasting memories. Whether you're coming from Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Ellensburg, Yakima, or Tri-Cities, we make it easy to enjoy one of Washington's favorite summer river adventures.

CLICK TO FULLSCREEN

CANYON EXPERIENCE

Family Floating Trip

YAKIMA CANYON

PACKING GUIDE & PRO TIPS

Prepare for Your Canyon Float

Packing right ensures a safe, comfortable, and memorable Yakima River Canyon float.

Tubers floating down Yakima River Canyon

Adventure Awaits

Pure Canyon Fun

Get ready to disconnect, relax, and float through the scenic canyon cliffs.

Essential Gear Checklist

Hydration: Bring plenty of drinking water, beverages, and snacks.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for 90°F canyon sun.
BYOB Ice: Pack your own ice for cooler tube rentals (no ice sold at Roza).

Pro Tips & River Safety

👟 Strap Shoes Required

Secure sandals or old sneakers are essential. River currents will easily pull loose flip-flops off!

⚠️ Beware the "River Gods"

Cell phones, keys, and jewelry sink fast! Tupperware works well to secure your valuable while floating.

CONSERVATION & HISTORY

A Washington State Treasure

Washington’s Yakima River ranks among the West’s premier desert waterways, celebrated for exceptional fly fishing, scenic float trips, striking canyon walls, and sagebrush landscapes.

Watch Canyon Video Tour

YAKIMA CANYON

214 Miles

Cascades to Columbia

Named after the indigenous Yakama people, stretching across Central WA.

647 Acres

Yakima Canyon Ranch

Permanently protected by Western Rivers Conservancy and transferred to BLM.

3 Key Parcels

Bighorn, Beavertail & Umtanum

River frontage tripled; visitor access officially opened May 2024.

Preserving Public Access for Generations

The ranch encompasses both sides of the Yakima River along a dramatic horseshoe bend. Near the upper end of this 27-mile canyon between Ellensburg and Yakima, this conservation effort ensures lasting public access to the Bighorn boat launch — one of the river’s most heavily used access points — while safeguarding critical habitat for the canyon’s exceptional fish and wildlife.

"One of the West's Premier Desert Waterways"

Float through 2,000-ft basalt canyon walls, soaring bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and calm floating waters.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Wildlife You'll See on the River

The canyon’s steep 2,000-ft basalt cliffs and clear waters support an incredible abundance of wildlife.

Mammals

Bighorn Sheep

Frequent sight grazing and leaping along the steep rocky canyon slopes.

Bald Eagle perched overlooking Yakima river

Raptors

Bald Eagles

Soaring high above the 2,000-ft basalt canyon cliff rims and nesting in pine branches.

Mammals

River Otters

Playing, sliding, and diving in calm gravel pools near check-in and takeout sites.

Waterfowl

Great Blue Herons

Standing quietly along shaded cottonwood banks watching for native trout.

Raptors

Osprey (Seahawks)

Diving gracefully for wild trout in clear river riffles and canyon eddies.

Mule Deer buck standing next to canyon river

Mammals

Mule Deer & Elk

Feeding near river banks, cottonwood groves, and shaded canyon meadows.

Red-Tailed Hawk perched on canyon rock column

Raptors

Red-Tailed Hawks

Nesting in steep cliff crevices and hunting in open sagebrush flats.

Waterfowl

Ducks and wildfowl swimming along quiet gravel bars and backwater channels.

Central WA Guide

Canyon General Info

Everything you need to know about camping, hiking trails, packing guides, and canyon rules.

OVERVIEW

Float Through the Beautiful Yakima River Canyon

Experience the best Yakima River tubing in the scenic Yakima River Canyon. Our popular float begins at where you park your car – Roza Campground and includes convenient shuttle service for a hassle-free adventure. Enjoy a relaxing Yakima River float through beautiful canyon scenery, abundant wildlife, and warm summer sunshine. Whether you're looking for Yakima River tube rentals, Yakima Canyon floating, or a fun family-friendly day trip from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, Ellensburg, or Tri-Cities we make it easy to enjoy one of Washington's favorite summer river adventures.

The Yakima River Canyon is one of Washington's most scenic recreation areas. During your float you'll travel through miles of protected canyon landscapes featuring towering cliffs, cottonwood trees, crystal-clear water, and abundant wildlife. It's one of the few places in Washington where you can completely disconnect and enjoy nature while gently floating downstream.

Keep an eye out for:

CAMPING

Where to Camp

There are five BLM recreation sites within the Yakima River Canyon that offer excellent camping: Bighorn, Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines and Roza. Online Camping Reservation Click Here

HIKING

Where to Hike & Refresh

The river canyon offers spectacular desert hikes, with two of the best trails starting at the Umtanum Recreation Area. Cross the swinging footbridge to access the trailheads:

Creek Canyon (6.5 mi): Moderate climb, wildflower blooms & basalt rock views.
Ridge Crest (6.0 mi): Steep climb, sweeping canyon & mountain views.
Swinging Footbridge: Iconic pedestrian crossing over the Yakima River.
Canyon River Grill: Midpoint lodge stop for Alaskan Lingcod Fish n Chips.

⚠️ Notice: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and nesting raptors. Always watch for rattlesnakes!

PACKING GUIDE

Packing List & Pro Tips

Planning a Yakima River tubing adventure? Packing the right gear will help you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable Yakima River Canyon float.

Plenty of drinking water, snacks & sunscreen
Water shoes/sandals with secure straps
Hat & sunglasses for canyon weather
Waterproof dry bag for phone & keys
BYOB bags of ice (no ice at campground)
Mesh trash bag (pack out all cans & trash)
Leave expensive jewelry in your vehicle
Tupperware works good for a stash box

💡 Pro Tips: Avoid flip-flops or unstrapped sandals.

About Yakima River Tubing