ヤキマ郡のおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Nice View

At 5,430 ft, Chinook Pass offers stunning mountain along Mather Memorial Parkway. The pass is open mid-May to November—check for seasonal closures before you go.

The summit of this pass is marked by a rustic stone-and-wood archway that happens to be part of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail. If you want to hop off your bike for a minute, there's a pretty, short nature trail here with great views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, and Tipsoo Lake.

Nestled within the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Snow Mountain Ranch spans 2,000 acres, rising over 1,000 feet from the South Fork of Cowiche Creek to Cowiche Mountain's summit at 2,970 feet. Its intricate network of approximately 14 miles of trails meanders through diverse shrub-steppe habitats, home to 200 plant species, 125 bird species, and 64 butterfly species—exceeding the biodiversity of the entire British Isles. Spring and summer invite avid birdwatchers and unveil a breathtaking wildflower spectacle. As autumn arrives, the riparian zone bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, as oaks, aspens, cottonwoods, wild rose, and willows paint the landscape with vibrant hues of yellow, red, and orange.

Ascend to the summit of Cowiche Mountain and relish in panoramic vistas. Once an expansive cattle ranch, this area is now a thriving nature preserve teeming with wildlife and vibrant wildflowers. In spring, golden hues and purples blanket the shrub-steppe, while sweeping views stretch from the Yakima River Canyon to the majestic snowy peaks of Rainier and Adams.

From the top of Sourdough Gap, you can catch sight of Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and other peaks. Don't forget to look down and appreciate the scenic view of Sheep Lake. The Sourdough Gap is part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

A short hike leads you to the expansive Upper Crystal Lake. This larger lake offers a captivating view, with rugged mountains enclosing the basin. Take a moment to appreciate the prominent Three Way Peak to the northeast, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.

Just a short stroll from the trail, you'll discover the breathtaking Lower Crystal Lake and campsite. This charming alpine lake is compact in size, with lush vegetation hugging its edges.