DISCOVER ANEW YAKIMA VALLEY'S GEMS
PUBLISHED ON January 16, 2010
Yakima Herald-Republic
by JANE GARGAS YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
Be honest.
It's been years. Maybe never.
Just how long has it been since you visited one of the Yakima Valley's many jewels?
It's true, there are hidden -- and not so hidden -- delights up and down the length of the Valley, and yet we often tend to overlook them.
But ignorance is not bliss here.
This might just be the ideal time -- not only the beginning of a year but a new decade as well -- to rediscover the gems glistening right before us.
So here's our unofficial list of Top 10 Yakima Valley treasures, ones that many of us may have not paused to appreciate in a long time. Perhaps not ever.
As with any list, you may heartily disagree; you may have compelling additions or deletions of your own. And that's fine. In fact, you can nominate your own choice for a forgotten site by sending an e-mail to news@yakimaherald.com. We'll add your nomination to an interactive map of spots that is at the bottom of this list.
Unless otherwise noted, attractions are free.
For now, these are our choices for great re-discoveries, realizing we have missed a slew of fine spots -- and isn't it a nice dilemma to have plenty more from which to pick?
Trove of overlooked treasures
(For the record, these aren't in order of importance.)
1. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy
This venerable group, and place, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, a transformation from an old, dusty rail line to a pristine preserve of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and birds along Cowiche Creek.
It's a natural oasis of undisturbed beauty, seven miles northwest of downtown. With the addition of Snow Mountain Ranch to the west five years ago, the conservancy now includes some 1,800 acres, with trails through lava flows, arid steppe and a mountain summit.
Take Summitview Avenue to Wiekel Road, about 5 miles west of 72nd Avenue. Turn right onto Wiekel, then follow signs. 509-248-5065.
2. Oak Creek Wildlife Area headquarters
"This is the only place in the whole world where you can drive up, park for free in a parking lot, then walk a few feet and see wild elk," asserts Don Witke of Selah, who has been volunteering in the visitors center at Oak Creek for 21 years.
Every year, from about mid-December to the end of February or so, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife crews feed tons of hay to the area's elegant Rocky Mountain elk.
Witke explains that the rationale for feeding isn't to fatten the elk; "the primary objective is to keep them out of agriculture land so they don't damage it."
Peak viewing time is at 1:30 p.m. when a wagon begins dropping hay bales along the ground, and an average of 1,200 head wander in for lunch.
The Oak Creek visitor center is just southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and State Route 410. During feeding season, the center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. 509-653-2390.
3. The Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center Museum in Toppenish
As you walk through the door, the affecting history of the Yakamas unfolds with the sound of sacred river water flowing, the life blood of the tribe.
Displays of ancient artifacts, cultural foods, tribal crafts such as baskets and beadwork, and the depiction of legends tell the story of life along the river and on Mount Adams. A tule mat longhouse shows how the tribe lived during winter, while historical photographs of Yakama children, looking sadly stoic lined up at boarding school, is a poignant sight.
Go to U.S. Highway 97 and Buster Road, Toppenish. 509-865-2800.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is charged.
4. The Yakima River Canyon
Not only is it a gorgeous drive, the 18-mile road along the river holds the promise of eagles, bighorn sheep, herons, hawks and other birds, depending on the season. There are plenty of spots to stop along the road, allowing lovely views of the Yakima River below, plus the stretch offers picnic areas, hiking trails and, in the summer, the prospect of rafting or inner tubing. It's also known as a premier fly fishing destination, even in the depths of winter.
Take Interstate 82 to exit 26 in Selah, go north along State Route 821.
5. The Capitol Theatre
Yes, yes, you're going to say that everybody has been to the Capitol.
But have you lately? Have you really taken a good look at the stately, neoclassical Capitol? The exquisitely painted murals, gold trim and renaissance style facade are as grand as when the theater was built in 1920. Broadway plays, symphonies, musical groups and other performances provide a bonus to the locale.
And, as a little two-fer here, The Seasons Performance Hall isn't bad either. Smaller and more intimate, it's a beautiful venue to hear music, especially, with the extra delight of being able to gaze up at finely-hued, stained glass windows (it began its life, after all, as a church).
Capitol: 19 S. Third St. 509-853-8000. Seasons: 101 N. Naches Ave., 509-453-1888. Performance prices vary.
6. Fort Simcoe State Park in White Swan
On the National Register of Historic Places, this 1850s military site offers the story of Army life in the West and how it affected local Native American culture. Five original buildings from the mid-19th century still exist, while several others have been re-created with period furniture. Kids always gravitate to the stockade.
Located 45 miles south of Yakima at the end of State Route 220 (Fort Road), at 5150 Fort Simcoe Road, White Swan. 509-874-2372.
In the winter, open 8 a.m. to dusk on weekends and holidays only. Beginning March 20, open daily, 6:30 a.m. to dusk, through September. During spring and summer, the historic buildings are open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
7. Powwow Dancing Country
This isn't a venue exactly, more like a destination. Yakamas around the Lower Valley host several big celebrations a year, highlighted by festive and eminently colorful dancing. Providing the color are the wonderful costumes: women in buckskin dresses, beaded moccasins, dentalium jewelry, basket hats; men festooned with eagle feathers, ribbon shirts, beaded medallions, silver belts. Everyone performs, from toddlers to elders, to the mesmerizing drum beat.
According to Stephanie Wendt with the Yakama Nation Tourism Department, two of the bigger celebrations with dancing are the Washington Birthday Celebration, Feb. 18-20, at the Toppenish Longhouse and the Treaty Days Pow Wow, June 11-13, at the Pavilion in White Swan. Dancing begins daily during the celebrations at 7 p.m.
For the Toppenish Longhouse, take U.S. Highway 97 to Fort Road and turn west. Turn south on Robbins Road. For the White Swan Pavilion, go west on Fort Road, south on Signal Peak Road and east on Mission Road.
8. The Larsons
Another double bonus. There are two Larsons in Yakima that shouldn't be missed: the Larson Art Gallery on the Yakima Valley Community College campus and the Larson Building downtown.
An intimate space that doesn't overwhelm, the art gallery accords viewers the chance to take time to ponder each piece of art in an exhibit. Various shows are on display throughout the year; currently it's "Women Artists: Where We Are Now."
The other Larson is mostly a lobby experience, but it's worth it. From its marble floors and brass grill work to the stately brick frame, the Depression-era structure is a showpiece. Inside the lobby, take time to gaze around at the black marble walls, embedded with fossilized seashells, and at the stained glass windows.
The Larson Gallery, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, is at South 16th Avenue and West Nob Hill Boulevard. Call ahead to make sure there is an ongoing exhibit, 509-574-4875. The Larson Building at the corner of Yakima Avenue and Second Street is open during business hours.
9. Yakima Area Arboretum
This is 46 acres of unforgettable beauty, maintains Jheri Ketcham, arboretum co-executive director.
"There are people who don't take the time to walk through here, and when they do, they're astounded," she says.
There's always something new to see at the sylvan solitude in the heart of the city, no matter what the season, Ketcham says. Right now, she favors the lush evergreens in contrast to winter starkness.
Next month brings the first blooms "and from then on something is always blooming." Spring fruit trees are spectacular, Ketcham says, but don't count out the summer with the pink mimosa tree -- "a sweet surprise."
And autumn? "You can come down every few days and see a different color."
Located at 1401 Arboretum Drive, 509-248-7337. Hours: Dawn to dusk. The Jewett Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
10. Ahtanum Mission Park
The draw is the historical mission, built in 1852 and owned by the Catholic Diocese of Yakima. Although the 8-acre park is open all year, the mission is closed from December to April unless you call ahead.
"But winter can be hazardous here with all the snow and ice," warns Cary Campbell, director. Still, it's a serene spot, no matter when you visit.
Campbell urges people to bring the family out, as weather warms, for a picnic and make arrangements to peek inside the mission. Mass is offered the first Sunday of each month, April through December.
Located at 17740 Ahtanum Road, west of Yakima. Park open dawn to dusk every day.
