Yakima is located in the south central region of Washington State, approximately 150 miles east of Seattle.
Sunshine is the norm with 270 to 300 blue sky days per year. The area enjoys four separate and distinct seasons, with pleasant springs, hot and dry summers, colorful falls, and cool winters with light snowfall.
Yakima's economy has traditionally revolved around agriculture and a wide variety of crops are grown in the Yakima Valley. The Yakima region is well known for producing about 75% of all the hops grown in the United States.
Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Yakima economy. More than 70 wineries are located in the Valley and regularly draw visitors to sample and buy internationally-renowned varietals. Multiple craft breweries and distilleries utilize homegrown products in their unique offerings.
Yakima is host to many family-friendly facilities and events including the new YMCA/Yakima Rotary Aquatic Center, Capitol Theatre, SOZO Sports complex, the Central Washington State Fair, a wood bat summer league baseball team, and welcomes numerous regional youth and adult sports tournaments.
Outdoor recreation, including water and snow skiing, fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and white water rafting, also makes Yakima a favorite destination for people from throughout the Northwest and around the world