Raft down the Yakima River
Now that the warm days of summer have made an appearance, you may be looking for ways to get out of a hot stuffy house and cool off. Sure, you can head down to the local swimming pool, but if you’re looking for more adventure, why not try river rafting?
There are places in the Puget Sound area where you can find suitable rivers, but if you’re planning a trip and you want a better shot at sun and warmth, you might try heading over to the Yakima River.
The river meanders through Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Yakima, where the summer climate tends to be hotter and dryer than back in Seattle. Depending on the section of the river, it is considered a Class 1 or a Class 2 trip. There are plenty of spots where novices can enjoy a lazy float.
If it’s your first time river rafting, or you’re going with a group, you may consider signing up for a tour. If you sign up with Rill Adventures, located in Thorp, WA, you get the raft, gear (floatation devices, paddles, and pump), picnic lunch, and delivery–basically everything you need to enjoy a day out on the water. (Well, you’ll have to bring your own sunblock.)
Prices start just under $90 for 4 people. But if you know someone with a raft already, there’s no reason you can’t make this trip for free.