Yakama Sportsman State Park

Located in Yakima, the park attracts local picnickers, out-of-town visitors and road-trippers passing through. It also attracts homeless people and is one of the few State Parks I would not be comfortable leaving my children roaming. The park is a green oasis along the Yakama River flood plain. During my first visit, I could not tour the park because it was all underwater. But, when dried out, which is most of the year, all that flooding sustains a natural wetland of marshes, grasses and ponds, welcoming habitat for 140 bird species. The park has a youth fishing pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout and open to young anglers. The park offers one kitchen shelter, plus three roofed shelters and many unsheltered picnic tables. There are about 2 miles of trails to hike and look for wildlife. The campground is also a stay-over place for events at the Yakima Sun-Dome and fairgrounds.