The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River in southern, central, and eastern Washington state, named after the Yakama Native American tribe. The Yakima River is a popular destination for rafting, kayaking, and fishing, especially around Ellensburg and near its confluence with the Columbia River during the summer months. The Yakima River is classified between Class I and Class II rapids, depending on conditions and the time of year. In the Tri-Cities area, where the Yakima meets the Columbia, there are several hiking trails.
