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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
Click for Ellensburg, Washington Forecast

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

   

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

Campgrounds in the Ellensburg area

Country View Guest House

Ellensburg area weather

Fishing License Info - Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

Red's Fly Shop - great map of the Yakima River Canyon showing access points

Rose Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast

Snoqualmie Pass Report - WS DOT

Yakima River Basin Wide Water Flows

Interesting Websites

Washington Motels and Hotels - your source for places to stay and things to see and do in Washington

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© Rill Adventures 2005-2008

Rill Adventures

P.O. Box 102
Thorp, Washington 98946
Tel. (509) 964-2520
Toll free (888) 281-1561