Yakima River Float – Explore the Greenway Trip

Explore the eastern part of the Greenway—from the river! Join us for a special float trip along the Yakima River, floating the Upper Canyon between Cle Elum and Thorp. Raft past basalt canyons, rolling forests, and green farmlands of the Yakima Basin with expert guides, and learn about this basin’s unique ecology and efforts to conserve it from special guest speakers during our locally sourced lunch.

Registration is now closed for this event.

Details:

Date: Saturday, June 18, 2022
Time: 10 a.m. – late afternoon
Location: Starting at the Cle Elum Depot (801 Milwaukee Ave, Cle Elum, WA 98922)

Cost: $85/person*
*The registration fee covers the cost of the rafts, shuttle, safety gear, t-shirt, snacks, and lunch. We do have financial scholarships available, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn how to apply. 

Distance: 18 river miles
Difficulty: moderate (manageable by novices, but will require paddling!)

Total Trip Size: Up to 80 participants

Age Restrictions: 12 years and older. All youth 16 or younger need to be accompanied by an adult.

What to Expect and Bring:

Drivers will drop their passengers at the Teanaway River Bridge at 10:00 am, and continue on to park their vehicle near our take-out point in Thorp. The drivers will then be shuttled back to the Teanaway River Bridge to rejoin the main group and cast off down the river! We will enjoy a lunch break at a scenic riverside campground just off the Palouse to Cascade State Park Trail, where we’ll be joined by river restoration and fisheries experts who will share the unique story of the Yakima River.

Come prepared to spend the day outside on the water and have fun! Check the weather before you come and plan accordingly. If it is supposed to be cold or windy, we recommend a wind breaker and warm clothing. If you can, avoid wearing cotton clothing on the water during cold days. It will stay wet and make you chilly.

Bring the following: 

• Swimsuit (and/or clothes you don’t mind getting wet)
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Shoes that strap to your feet such as old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals.
• At least two liters of water per person

Personal Flotation Devices will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. You must be able to swim, regardless of Personal Flotation Devices.

Our river guides require guests to wear masks while on the shuttle bus – anyone without a face covering will not be allowed to board.

Once you are registered and paid, we will send you more detailed information about the trip. You can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions.