Yakima River
Scenic Rafting
Float Through Monolithic Volcanic Cliffs
The Yakima is born in the high peaks of Snoqualmie Pass, WA. It flows east through the famous wine region of the Yakima Valley until emptying into the Columbia River near the Tri-Cities. Spring through summer, Alpine Adventures offers scenic family floats on the upper section of the Yakima River from east Cle Elum to near Ellensburg, WA.
Yakima River
Scenic Rafting
• Season: June – September
• Class/Difficulty: Class 1 / Beginner
• Ages: 3+
• Duration/Length: 4 hours / 10 miles
• Gear provided? Yes (wetsuits not needed)
• Price Range: Varies based on group size
• Meeting location: Located off of Hwy 10 near Thorp, WA | See Map
• Meeting times: Daily 11am
Trip Description:
This gentle Class 1 ten-mile section of the Yakima River flows through beautiful Ponderosa Pine forests, towering Basalt spires and past salmon spawning grounds on nearby gravel bars. Bighorn Sheep and lots of birds including Osprey, Hawks, Eagles, and 21 different species of raptors can be seen on this trip as you float through the monolithic volcanic cliffs. This trip is great for the whole family with a minimum age of 3 and last around 4 hours total.
Trips meet in the gravel/sand pull off area 1.6 miles east of Cle Elum on Hwy 970 near the junction with Hwy 10, across from Airport Rd and a Fire Station. Look for the Alpine Adventures vehicles.
How to Prepare
We’ll provide all the necessary equipment and gear, but here’s what you should wear and bring with you.
What to bring
Hot weather
- River shoes, sandals
- Bathing suit, or light weight clothes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Cold weather
- River shoes
- Thin, non-cotton base layer
- Wool socks
- Water bottle
What we provide
All Weather
- Personal Flotation Device
- Shuttles To & From river
- Rafts & paddles
- River Guide(s)
Other preparations
Tips & Downloads
- Do not bring anything on the river that you are not willing to lose forever. It is not recommended to bring cell phones, wedding rings, extra baggage, dangly jewelry, etc.
- Waiver Form: Please click the button below to sign your waiver form in advance which will speed up your check-in process. You can also download a copy to print and sign if preferred but you must bring it with you. A Waiver Form must be completed by every person, and signed by a parent or a guardian for anyone under 18, who rafts with Alpine Adventures.
Please Note: Rafting and outdoor recreational activities involve risk; participants must read and sign the “Release of Liability” waiver linked to above. If the water on the scheduled river is too high to be safely run on the day of your trip we reserve the right to: change rivers, re-schedule another day, or cancel the trip (with 100% refund).
Refund Policy: A 100% refund can be processed if you cancel at least 30 days in advance. A 50% refund can be processed if you cancel 10-29 days in advance. No refund will be processed if you cancel less than 10 days prior to your trip or don’t show up on the day of your trip. If fewer people show up for the trip than spaces were reserved, you will be held accountable for all reserved spots. We raft rain or shine.
Where to Meet
Meeting Address
Located off of Hwy 10 near Thorp, WA
Meeting Location Map
Want driving directions from your specific location? Just click on the “Directions” link in the map.