The Yakima Valley in south-central Washington is an area that is probably not on most people’s radar. Nevertheless, it has all the hallmarks of a great destination that can take a week or more to explore.

The valley is one of Washington’s premier wine-producing regions and was the state’s first designated AVA (American Viticultural Area). Wineries were not included on the interactive map because there are just too many. The Yakima Valley Wine Country site is a good resource.

There are a multitude of other places to explore up and down the valley or on some of the adjoining rivers. Two of note are the Horse Heaven Hills and the Yakima River Gorge.