Yakima Greenway | Yakima

The Yakima Greenway is a comprehensive and well-developed recreational trail system spanning approximately 20 miles through central Washington, primarily in and around the city of Yakima. It follows the natural courses of the Yakima and Naches Rivers, offering residents and visitors a scenic, accessible, and versatile outdoor space for a wide array of activities. The Greenway is an integral part of the region’s outdoor lifestyle, emphasizing environmental appreciation, physical fitness, and community engagement.

Geographic Scope and Trail Layout

The Yakima Greenway stretches from Union Gap on the southern end to Naches in the north, traversing various urban and natural landscapes. The trail system is paved and designed to accommodate multiple types of users, including walkers, joggers, cyclists, families with strollers, and even wheelchair users, making it inclusive for all fitness levels and ages.

The trail is segmented into several interconnected pathways, each with distinct features:

Noel Pathway: Connecting Sarg Hubbard Park to Sherman Park, this section is heavily used for recreational and commuting purposes. It runs along the Yakima River, providing picturesque views of the water and surrounding wildlife habitats.

Jewett Pathway: This segment links areas such as Nob Hill, a well-known commercial district, to Valley Mall Boulevard, blending urban access with green spaces.

Platt Pathway: Following the Naches River, this trail winds through quieter, more natural areas, perfect for those seeking solitude or wildlife observation.

The entire trail system passes through multiple parks and green spaces, creating a ribbon of outdoor environments that combine active recreation with nature appreciation.

Key Parks and Facilities Along the Greenway

Several parks and recreational hubs serve as focal points along the Greenway:

Sarg Hubbard Park: This is the centerpiece of the Yakima Greenway and functions as a community gathering spot. The park boasts a playground, picnic areas, lakeside amphitheater, and, as of late 2023, a newly constructed Yakima Greenway Visitor Center. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the local environment, trail information, and community event coordination. Sarg Hubbard Park is also a popular launch point for fishing, boating, and other water activities.

Sherman Park: Located about a mile south of Sarg Hubbard Park, Sherman Park offers picnic shelters, open grassy areas, and an off-leash dog park. Its placement makes it an ideal rest stop for Greenway users.

Rotary Lake Area: Approximately two miles north of Sarg Hubbard Park, this area includes Rotary Lake and access to the YWCA Human Spirit Nature Trail, a side trail renowned for its immersive natural scenery and interpretive signage about the local ecology.

Poppoff Nature Trail: At the southern terminus of the Greenway, Poppoff Nature Trail offers a more rustic hiking experience. This trail includes wildlife viewing platforms and informational brochures highlighting native plant and animal species.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

The Yakima Greenway showcases a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The trail corridor is lined with native trees such as cottonwoods, willows, and red-osier dogwoods, providing shade and aesthetic appeal. These plant communities support a variety of wildlife, including:

Birdlife: Songbirds are abundant throughout the year, while waterfowl populate the rivers and lakes, making the Greenway a favored spot for birdwatchers. In winter months, bald eagles are a notable presence, often seen perched in tall trees or soaring overhead.

Mammals: Gray squirrels and other small mammals inhabit the wooded areas adjacent to the trail.

Aquatic Life: The proximity to the Yakima and Naches Rivers supports a variety of fish species, making fishing a popular activity at designated spots along the Greenway.

The integration of natural habitats within the urban and suburban context of Yakima highlights the Greenway’s role in conservation and environmental education.

Recreational Activities and Community Engagement

The Yakima Greenway supports an extensive range of recreational activities beyond simple trail use:

Walking, Running, and Cycling: The paved surface accommodates users of all abilities, whether for leisurely strolls or intense exercise routines.

Fishing and Boating: Designated access points and boat landings allow for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Picnicking and Play: Multiple parks along the trail provide picnic tables, playgrounds, and open spaces for family gatherings and social events.

Nature Observation: Interpretive signs and guided nature trails encourage learning about local ecosystems.

To foster community spirit and engagement, the Yakima Greenway hosts several annual events that draw participants from all demographics:

Kids Fish In & Earth Day Festival: This spring event introduces children to fishing and environmental stewardship, combining outdoor fun with educational programming.

Gap2Gap Relay: A relay race designed to promote fitness and community involvement by utilizing the continuous trail system.

Family Fun Festival: Held in August, this festival features family-oriented activities such as kayaking demonstrations, slip-n-slide setups, bike courses, and more.

Turkey Trot 5K: A Thanksgiving Day run that unites families and runners in a festive and health-conscious tradition.

Accessibility and Amenities

The Yakima Greenway is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. Amenities along the trail include:

Restrooms: Available at major parks like Sarg Hubbard and Sherman.

Garbage Disposal and Waste Stations: Distributed throughout the Greenway to promote cleanliness.

Dog Facilities: Dogs are allowed on leash, and "mutt-mitts" stations for waste disposal are provided to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Water Access: While some parks offer drinking fountains, trail users are advised to carry water, especially during the hot summer months.

Parking is available at key access points such as the visitor center at Sarg Hubbard Park, making the Greenway convenient for both local and visiting users.

Summary

The Yakima Greenway is much more than a trail; it is a vital recreational and cultural artery that weaves together natural beauty, community activity, and environmental education. It enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors by providing safe, well-maintained, and diverse outdoor spaces. The Greenway’s blend of urban convenience and natural habitats makes it a model for multi-use trail systems in similar mid-sized cities.

Its commitment to accessibility, diverse recreational options, and community events ensures that the Greenway remains a dynamic and cherished resource for all who experience it.