As the weather starts to warm up, the Yakima Valley begins to blossom. Between beautiful orchards, delightful festivals, and freshly barreled wines, spring is a colorful and relaxing time of year to visit the Yakima Valley. Temperatures in March see an average high of 58 degrees, reaching highs in the low 70s by May.
This itinerary will take you throughout the area, from hiking in the north to wine tasting in the east. Since destinations are spread across the valley, a good way to get around is by driving, either with your own vehicle or a rental.
Attend a Spring Event
Time your spring visit to align with one of these fantastic events to make the most of your trip.
- Spring Barrel (April): Join Yakima Valley wineries as they celebrate the spring. Makers pull tastes straight from the barrel, giving you a sneak peek at how these young vintages may mature.
- Cinco de Mayo Festival (May): With more than 100 vendors, dancing horses, live entertainment, traditional music, and incredible food, you won’t want to miss the biggest cultural celebration in the valley.
- Asparafest (May): This festival celebrates local restaurants and fruit stands that offer asparagus. Enjoy special items such as an asparagus burger, battered asparagus, and asparagus and pepper-jack cheese tamales.
Spring Yakima Valley Itinerary
Day 1
Fuel up for your day at MAK Daddy Coffee Roasters in downtown Yakima. Named after the first initial of the founder’s three daughters, this coffee shop and local roastery offers avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and more quick bites.
Hike Snow Mountain Ranch
Get the lay of the land by starting your day with a hike along the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy trails. The Snow Mountain Ranch area is especially scenic in the spring, as the hillsides come alive with pops of color from arrowleaf balsamroot and other plants. Start at the aptly named Wildflower Trail, which connects to other trails for an easy 3.8-mile loop.
Also See: Wildflower Hikes in Washington
Grab a Bite
After your hike, head to Brunch Bliss & Bubbles in Yakima. You’ll find brunch classics like chicken and waffles, chilaquiles, and French toast, as well as offerings like the chorizo benny or smoked feta egg and avocado tacos. They’re also known for their beverage flights, from mimosas to house-made coconut cream concoctions.
Tour the Yakima Valley Museum
Dive into the area’s history with a visit to the Yakima Valley Museum. Located in Franklin Park, this museum offers exhibits on the area’s natural history, culture, early city life, and the fruit industry. Collections include everything from agricultural equipment and horse-powered vehicles to curiosities collected by residents.
Go Beer Tasting at Single Hill Brewing Co.
Next, head to Single Hill Brewing Co.‘s taproom to sample local brews. The brewery uses high-quality ingredients from the region to create a diverse and evolving lineup. With 16 taps, you’ll find everything from tart and fruity sours to hoppy IPAs and a range of classic styles. And, they always have experimental beers on tap from their three-vessel Experimentor fermentation system.
Also See: Best Destinations for Beer Lovers
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal
For dinner, head to downtown Yakima to dine at Crafted. Owners Dan and Mollie Koommoo focus on a farm-to-table approach, sourcing many ingredients from local farms. Their rotating seasonal menus feature hearty mains as well as elegant vegetarian options, like mole-roasted cauliflower with corn salsa and pickled onion. The restaurant also boasts a stellar cocktail program.
Also See: 3-Day Yakima Valley Summer Itinerary
Day 2
Explore the Yakima Arboretum
Start your morning with breakfast at Caffe 11th Ave before heading to the Yakima Arboretum. This urban green space spans 46 acres and includes display gardens and more than 1,100 trees and plants. In the spring, expect to see flowering dogwood, viburnum, magnolia, flowering cherry, and other blooms.
Visit a Museum
Next, head east toward Toppenish. Learn about the important cultural influence of the Yakama Nation at the Yakama Nation Cultural Center and Museum. Opened in 1980, the facility is one of the oldest Native American museums in the United States. Visual and listening experiences guide you as you explore permanent exhibits that tell the story of the Yakama people. Beer lovers can also visit the nearby American Hop Museum. In addition to museums, Toppenish boasts an impressive network of murals depicting its agricultural roots and the American West.
Also See: Where to Find Murals in Washington
Grab Lunch at HopTown Wood Fired Pizza
On your way back toward Yakima, stop in Donald off Interstate 82 for delicious pizzas at HopTown Wood Fired Pizza. Choose from classic pies or creative options, like the Big Joe made with spicy red sauce, chorizo, goat cheese, and jalapenos. Grab a seat outside or enjoy a local cider, wine, or beer from the bar area.
Also See: Farm-to-Table Dining in Washington
Take a Wine or Beer Tour
With so many wineries and breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Spend the afternoon on a guided outing with Little Hopper Tours and leave the planning and driving to the pros. This local company offers private and small-group tours focused on Yakima Valley’s hop culture, breweries, and wineries, offering behind-the-scenes access and educational tastings. Explore the wineries around Yakima or venture out to Zillah, Prosser, or Red Mountain.
Due to the valley’s size (Prosser is about 50 minutes east of Yakima), a tour is a convenient and safe option if you want to visit multiple wineries or breweries. For a more active outing, consider a guided e-bike tour with Kickstand Tours.
Also See: Explore Wine Touring Areas and AVAs
Dinner at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar
Located in downtown Yakima, Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar is the perfect spot to end the night. House favorites include tortilla soup and Vietnamese noodles, but you’ll also find hearty burgers and wood-grilled meats. Don’t miss the stellar selection of craft cocktails, local wine and beer, and non-alcoholic options.
Day 3
Check out of your hotel and make your way to Main Stop on the Ave for breakfast. Afterward, head to Precision Fruit & Antiques for seasonal fresh fruit. They also stock Yakima Valley wines, canned fruit, jams, preserves, and pickles for purchase as well.
Drive Through the Yakima River Canyon
If you’re heading west toward Seattle, take the scenic route through the Yakima River Canyon along State Route 821. Wind your way past rolling hills and basalt cliffs for 27 miles to Ellensburg.
Stretch your legs at the Umtanum Creek Recreation Site with a stroll along part of the Umtanum Creek Trail. In spring, the hillside is dotted with yellow arrowleaf balsamroot flowers, plus blue larkspur, pink geraniums, and others. While the total hike is 6.5 miles round-trip, the start of the hike offers big views and the chance to cross a narrow bridge over the Yakima River. Do as much or as little as you like before hopping back in the car and continuing to your next destination.
Where to Stay
Hotel Maison Yakima Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Maison in downtown truly represents the history and character of Yakima. Built by the Yakima Masons to house their temple in 1911, this boutique hotel offers all the historic elegance with modern convenience.
Hilton Garden Inn Yakima Downtown
The Hilton Garden Inn Yakima Downtown is centrally located just one block from downtown attractions such as The Capitol Theatre. The Ummelina Yakima Valley Spa Retreat and Stems wine and gift shop are adjacent to the hotel.
Ledgestone Hotel Yakima
Ledgestone Hotel Yakima is one of the newest hotels in Yakima and is great for extended stays thanks to large suites.
Oxford Suites
Enjoy river-facing rooms and a convenient location along the Yakima Greenway, perfect for walking or biking to the Arboretum.