River Rafting
In an area you may recognize because of the scenic beauty
.. you'll find, at the edge of the Kittitas Valley flood
plain, a Class One river perfect for the family float. The
Yakima River is a beautiful place to take a trip or vacation,
have fun, and just relax during a float down the scenic
river.
The river's calm class one waters make this a river perfect
for a family river float adventure. Rivers are categorized
as Class 1-5 with one being the mildest and five the roughest
white water. |
Current
Weather
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Enjoy hassle free river floating with Rills! Let us help you
plan your day, designing it to accommodate your special interests
and needs. We can prepare the equipment and deliver it to the
Upper River or have it ready for you to pickup for the Lower River
float.
Rill Adventures rent equipment on both the Upper River -
Cle Elum Canyon and the Lower River - Yakima Canyon. The Upper
River and Lower River do NOT connect as there is a section
of the Yakima River that is not safe for inexperienced rafters
because of lots of debris and log jams.
Upper River - Cle Elum Canyon
On this section of the river we provide full services
- we will deliver and pickup equipment and can shuttle
the driver/s for the group.
The rafting adventure begins off scenic highway 10 east of Cle
Elum. The river drops right out of the foothills of the Cascade
Mountains. The water is faster and rougher in places than the
Lower Canyon. Rafters need to be able to paddle and maneuver their
raft to keep themselves off the banks. One portion of the Upper
Canyon float has a set of Class 2 rapids on one side of the river.
These rapids can be avoided, if desired, by floating along the
other side of the river.
The banks are forested with pine trees and brush on both sides
of the river for most of the float. Rafters will see birds, ducks,
cranes, and the occasional sighting of deer along the river bank.
In total the 13 mile float takes approximately 2 1/2 to 4 hours,
depending on the flow of the river (CSF).
Upper River Check-In - open 9:00 am to 1:30
pm
Upper River GPS Finder
47 degrees 05' 32N
120 degrees 41' 23W
From I-90 take Exit 101, turn north, and drive 3 miles to parking
area on right.
Lower River - Yakima Canyon
On this section of the river we provide rental services.
With prior notice, we may be able to arrange delivery and pickup
of equipment, for an additional fee.
The Lower Canyon float starts with equipment pickup at 6932 Canyon
Road at the northern mouth of the Yakima Canyon. The water flow
is slower in the Lower Canyon than the Upper Canyon because of
the closer proximity to the Rosa Dam. The float follows the Yakima
Canyon Road most of the way. Rafters will enjoy dramatic scenery
of rock face canyon walls and sagebrush covered hills in this
desert terrain. There are numerous entrance and exit points to
the river. Rafters can choose their distance - from 5-18 mile
float depending on their access point. Red's Fly Shop has a great
map
of the Yakima River Canyon showing access points.
The Lower Canyon shuttle is not always available in periods of
high demand.
Lower River - hours open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Lower River Rentals at 6932 Canyon Road, Ellensburg
Lower River GPS Finder
46 degrees 55' 44N
120 degrees 30' 38W
Equipment Rental for Upper River - Cle
Elum Canyon
| Number of people rated* to seat |
Description of raft |
Daily rate with delivery |
| 10 |
14 ft. standard
2 seats |
$125.00 |
| 8 |
13 ft. Self Bailer
3 seats |
$115.00 |
| 8 |
13 ft. standard
2 seats |
$105.00 |
| 6 |
12 ft. standard
2 seats |
$95.00 |
| 4 |
11 ft. standard
2 seats |
$85.00 |
*Rating is based on each individual
weighing 185 pounds
|
| Rowing frames |
Rowing frame |
with ice chest |
$20.00 |
Economy rowing frame |
|
$15.00 |
Fishing Frame |
Full frame with anchor mount |
$40.00 |
| Rafting Guides |
|
$95.00 |
Pet PFDs(small and medium
dog sizes) |
|
$2:00 - $3.50 |
Raft repair and care: 303
protectant available,
boat cleaner, patch supplies and kits,
specialty order. Will do minor raft repair. |
|
contact us |
Rentals: Ice chest, PFDs,
dry bags, phone bags |
|
$2.00 - $3.50 |
River Store - for your last minute needs
At the check-in points, we sell water guns, water shoes,
sunglasses, water cameras, bug spray, sunscreen, bottled
water, Gatorade, pop, and snacks
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Equipment Rental for Lower River - Yakima Canyon
| Number of people rated* to seat |
Description of raft |
Daily rate with delivery |
| 8 |
13 ft. Self Bailer
3 seats |
$100.00 |
| 8 |
13 ft. standard
2 seats |
$90.00 |
| 6 |
12 ft. standard
2 seats |
$85.00 |
| 2 |
Inflatable Kayak |
$50.00* |
| 1 |
Inflatable Kayak |
$35.00* |
| 1 |
Inner Tubes (not delivered to launch site) |
$10.00 |
*$10 discount on kayak with
boat rental
*Rating is based on each individual weighing 185 pounds
|
| Rowing frames |
Rowing frame |
with ice chest |
$20.00 |
Economy rowing frame |
|
$15.00 |
Fishing Frame |
Full frame with anchor mount |
$40.00 |
| Rafting Guides |
|
$95.00 |
Pet PFDs(small and medium
dog sizes) |
|
$2:00 - $3.50 |
Raft repair and care: 303
protectant available,
boat cleaner, patch supplies and kits,
specialty order. Will do minor raft repair |
|
contact us |
Rentals: Ice chest, PFDs,
dry bags, phone bags |
|
$2.00 - $3.50 |
River Store - for your
last minute needs
At the check-in points, we sell water guns, water shoes,
sunglasses, water cameras, bug spray, sunscreen, bottled
water, Gatorade, pop, and snacks |
|
|
Package Deals for Upper River reservations
Floater's Deal - includes: raft, gear (PFDs and paddles), picnic
lunch, and delivery
4 people - $ 118.95
6 people - $ 139.25
8 people - $ 159.95
Make a Reservation
Reservation and Cancellation Policies
Credit cards are held for security deposit and cancellation fees.
To avoid cancellation fees May 15- September 10th, cancellations
must be made a full 11days in advance. Cancellation fees will
be 1/2 the rental price if made 5-10 days before reservation date,
and will be full rental price if cancelled less than 5 days before
reservation date. Rafting will take place regardless of weather.
Rafting will take place regardless of weather. There will be
no charge if Rills cancels rafting due to lightening storms or
flooding.
Once your reservation has been received, we will email you the
paperwork and a list of instructions and directions to the check-in
point.
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch
A day on the Yakima River is made more enjoyable by the food,
drink, and the company of friends and family. Call us, load up
the family, and come on down to Thorp / Ellensburg to start off
a day of fun on the Yakima River.
Picnic lunches include sandwich, assorted
chips, cookies, bottled water, and a garbage bag. Bring your
own ice chest or rent one at the Check In point.
4 persons - $25.95
6 persons - $37.25
8 persons - $48.95
Prices available for groups of 20 or more
Sandwiches and Wraps - Turkey, Ham, Roast
Beef, Tuna, Veggie, Cheese
All sandwiches have a choice of lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion,
mayo, mustard, horseradish, and cheddar or swiss cheese.
Finger Foods - may include: carrots, celery,
cauliflower, radishes, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, and other
seasonal produce:
Small - serves 4 - $9.75
Medium - serves 6 - $12.35
Large - serves 8 - $15.95
Kayaking Lessons
Available for beginner to Intermediate levels - 10 years old
and above. $75.00 for a 12 mile trip down the Yakima River includes
instructor/guide.
Please Note .. all prices listed above may change without notice
Useful Information for River Rafters