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Yakima River Canyon, Yakima River, Washington
Photo: Robert Ashworth · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Washington Central Washington

Yakima River Canyon

SR 821, Canyon Road · Ellensburg → Selah

Sweeping23 mi35 min1,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,600 ftOne way
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The drive

SR 821 runs through the Yakima River Canyon, a roughly 25-mile two-lane road between Ellensburg and Selah that follows the river. This drive starts just past Thrall Road and runs south. The river winds between sagebrush hills and basalt cliffs, with the railroad on the far bank.

The state designated it the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. The Bureau of Land Management manages recreation sites along the river, including Big Pines and Umtanum, and the road passes Roza Dam near the south end. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, trout and birds live in the canyon.

The speed limit is 50 mph and the lanes are narrow. It is the slow, scenic alternative to I-82.

Along the way

  1. Ellensburg (Thrall Road)
  2. Roza Dam
  3. Selah (I-82)
Elevation
1,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,600 ft
EllensburgSelah
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
EllensburgSelah
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Rockfall and brush fires have closed the road in the past; check WSDOT before you go.
  • Day-long closures happen for annual events such as a marathon and bicycle tour in spring.
  • Cyclists and river traffic share the road, especially on summer weekends.
  • Washington Discover Passes are not valid at BLM sites; those charge their own day-use fee, while state sites such as Selah Cliffs need a Discover Pass.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check WSDOT travel map and alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Yakima River Canyon drive take?

Ellensburg to Selah on SR 821 is 22.7 miles and takes about 35 min.

Is the Yakima River Canyon road twisty?

It follows the river's bends, but the curves are sweeping, and the speed limit is 50 mph.

Is there a fee to drive the Yakima River Canyon?

No fee to drive SR 821. BLM river-access sites charge a day-use fee, and a Discover Pass is not valid there.

Does SR 821 close?

Occasionally. Rockslides, brush fires and annual events have closed sections, so check WSDOT for current status.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Yakima River Canyon, from Ellensburg to Selah