New here? Start with these.

Just moved to Yakima, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Stewardship Work Parties

Cowiche Canyon Conservancy

Seasonal volunteer trail days — sign up

Rotating CCC preserves around Yakima

Beginner-friendlyFreeShoulder season

Trail building, weed pulls and infrastructure repair.

MTB⚠ Needs verification

Uplands & Rocky Top Riding

Cowiche Canyon Conservancy

Ride anytime · dawn–dusk

Cowiche Uplands / Rocky Top trailheads, Yakima

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer

Self-guided shrub-steppe singletrack; free public access.

MTB⚠ Needs verification

Shop Mountain-Bike Rides

Bearded Monkey Cycling

Weekly MTB rides — see Facebook/Strava

Rotating Yakima trailheads

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer

Weekly group MTB rides; all levels welcome.

Birding⚠ Needs verification

Field Trips

Yakima Valley Audubon Society

Seasonal field trips — see newsletter

Rotating Yakima County hotspots

Beginner-friendlyFree

Guided trips with experienced local birders.

Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification

Guided Yakima Float Trips

Red’s Fly Shop

By reservation · year-round

Canyon River Ranch, Yakima River Canyon

Beginner-friendlyPaid

Drift-boat floats plus a beginner fish-along course.