Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center - (509) 551-8807

Interpretive Center serving to connect community to nature focusing on shrub-steppe habitat and education about the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway.

n 1967 the State Legislature established the scenic and recreational byway system and identified the 25 miles of SR821 through the Yakima River Canyon as a scenic byway – the first designated Byway in the state.

The byway, which starts on the north end near Ellensburg at Helen McCabe Park and continues south to Selah Creek near Yakima, contains important natural, recreational, and cultural resources that have intrinsic value for our local community and visitors alike.

Helen McCabe Park, as the first recreational site that travelers encounter when driving southbound through the Canyon, is a natural location for an interpretive center to highlight the scenic byway resources.

The Park was named after Dr. Helen McCabe who was a Professor of Recreation at Central Washington University and was a leader in recreation programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Park was acquired by the Washington State Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) in 1973. It is a 64 acre park that contains ½ mile of riparian habitat along Wilson Creek and a 7 acre pond that is stocked with various fish species.

The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway Interpretive Center at Helen McCabe Park (Canyon Center) will serve as a resource to visitors and community members, provide science-based education for all ages, and connect our community to nature.

Canyon Center will encourage community partnerships and foster an appreciation and understanding of the incredible natural and cultural wealth found in Kittitas and Yakima Counties especially emphasizing the connections represented by the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway - the first designated byway in Washington State.

As visitors travel west toward Seattle, Canyon Center will offer interpretation of the lands they’ve passed through and introduce them to the forests to come. For visitors traveling east and south to recreate, the Center will expand their understanding of the value of arid lands.

For our local communities Canyon Center will help increase the livability of our region, provide jobs, and promote economic development and diversity of our tourism industry.

Canyon Center will provide quality environmental education and recreational experiences while maintaining a balanced emphasis on stewardship of the land, water, wildlife, cultural, and historic resources of the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway.

Sustainable principles and practices will guide the character and development of Canyon Center facilities and grounds. Canyon Center will be an example of LEED certified building practices. The design, development, and management of the grounds will showcase native landscape design and maintenance.

Tags: Environmental Conservation