Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Irene Rinehart Park, part of the Ellensburg development project, is about 115.0 acres of lush green regional park along the edges of the Yakima River. An easy trip from Seattle, Ellensburg itself is not a very populated city, and if you drive through it, you might get that quintessential countryside feeling. And the park carries that feeling forward. It complements the quaintness of the city of Ellensburg while providing its own charm with the flowing river, creeks, ducks, and footpaths. The park offers an easy day hike with family and kid-friendly amenities.

From the parking lot, walk parallel to the park on the gravel path and reach its southern end to find the small wooden bridge over the beautiful Yakima River. After crossing the bridge, you will end up on a beaten trail running parallel to the river. It is a very quiet trail that might offer you wildflowers depending on the season.

The park also offers a large play area, a volleyball court, a picnic shelter with barbecue grills, and beautiful spots for swimming. Note that fishing in the ponds is prohibited from May 15 to September 15, which coincides with the park's open season. Fishing is allowed in the nearby Yakima River, however. The park is close to Yakima Canyon, which offers opportunities to explore nearby desert hikes such as Umtanum Ridge Crest or Umtanum Canyon Creek. This well-maintained park receives relatively few visitors, and it is a quaint mix of natural and urban environments.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Day hike. Quiet and isolated. River views. Solitude.

Cons

Hard to find. Highway noise.

Features

ADA accessible
Backcountry camping
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Bicycling
Potable water
Picnic tables
Off-leash dog area
Covered picnic areas
Volleyball
Old-growth forest
Fishing
Playground
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern North Cascades + Lake Chelan, Washington
Eastern North Cascades + Lake Chelan, Washington

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