How It Works

ESCAPE THE CITY

Washington's Favorite Summer River Adventure

Looking for the best river tubing near Seattle? Escape the city and spend the day floating through the breathtaking Yakima River Canyon, just two hours east of Seattle via I-90. Our scenic float trips are one of Washington's favorite summer adventures, attracting visitors from Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Puyallup, Issaquah, Redmond, and throughout the Puget Sound. Yakima River Tubing offers relaxing all inclusive floats, tube rentals, and convenient shuttle service for an unforgettable day on the river.

Seattle Bellevue Tacoma Kent Renton Auburn Federal Way Puyallup Issaquah Redmond

Panoramic scenic view of Yakima River Canyon float route

Umtanum to Roza Float Route

Take a look at the Google Earth satellite perspective of your canyon float route. You park and check in at the bottom (Roza Campground), and our shuttle van transports you up to the Umtanum launch point. From there, you float 10.9 scenic miles right back to your car!

Google Earth satellite route map of Yakima River float from Umtanum to Roza

STEP-BY-STEP FLOW

The 11 Steps of Your River Trip

No hassle, no stress. Here is exactly what happens from your drive to takeout.

Step 1: Drive to Umtanum Creek Recreation

Drive to Umtanum Creek Recreation– Address 16388 Canyon Rd or near Milepost 16 on State Highway 821 is located along Canyon Road in Ellensburg, WA 98926, within the Yakima River Canyon. Look for us at the upper dirt parking lot. Drop off your group/party at Umtanum Recreation Site then the driver will cruise down to Roza Campground to park car for shuttle ride back to Umtanum.

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Step 2: Drive to ROZA Campground

Drive to ROZA Campground - Address: 8681 S Canyon Rd, Yakima, WA 98901

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Step 3: Pay $5 BLM Parking Fee

Pay the $5 BLM parking fee or display your Federal Senior Pass/Interagency Pass on your vehicle dashboard.

No Discover Pass notice for federal BLM site

Step 4: Discover Pass Notice

Note: Washington State Discover Passes are NOT accepted here. Roza is a federal BLM site requiring the $5 cash/card pass or Federal Recreation Pass.

Step 5: Check In & Wait for Shuttle

Check in with our staff at Roza Campground office and wait for your scheduled shuttle van transport.

Boarding 15-passenger shuttle van at Roza

Step 6: Board Shuttle Van

Board our comfortable, air-conditioned 15-passenger shuttle van for your ride up to Umtanum launch.

Towering basalt canyon rock walls along the Yakima River road drive

Step 7: 20-Min Scenic Shuttle Ride

Relax and enjoy the 20 minute drive to our put in location.

Step 8: Gear Issue & Launch

CASH with completed waiver. Get your river floating tube and or cooler+tube and life vest if necessary and water bound you are.

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Step 9: 10-11 Mile River Float

The gentle Yakima River winds through rolling desert hills and basalt cliffs, some rising more than 2,000 feet, your float is around 10-11 miles. Enjoy and have fun. One thing to keep in mind, this is a self-guided floating experience. You are At Your Own Leisure. Float time: 3hrs - 4 hours.

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