PAWA Paints Yakima River Canyon 2-Day 2026

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Facilitator: Sean Lamoreaux

Email:[email protected] Phone: (520)465-1790

Description: The rugged Yakima River Canyon winds through grassy hills and basalt cliffs for 27 miles between Ellensburg and Yakima on the drier side of Washington. This will offer us artists some enticing compositions with river views, cliff shadows, and hopefully some spring colors this time of year.

Meeting location, day 1:

Day 1: Sunday May 3
Morning Paint-out
9:00 AM Umtanum Creek Recreation Site
12:30 PM Share paintings+feedback (picnic area)

Lunch plans, Bring sack lunch or restaurant/grocery suggestions:

1:30 PM Lunch at Canyon River Grill (located at Canyon River Ranch, attached to Red’s Fly Shop)

After lunch:

Possible Afternoon/Evening Paint-out*
3:30 PM Big Pines Recreation Site (or back to Umtanum Creek)

End of day :

Decide your own dinner plans, whether picnicking or eating at restaurants in Ellensburg/Yakima.

Meeting location, day 2 :

Day 2: Monday May 4
Morning Paint-out
9:00 AM Roza Recreation Site (120 parking spots)

Lunch plans, Bring sack lunch or restaurant/grocery suggestions:

1:00 PM Share paintings/feedback + lunchtime at picnic area. Bring your own picnic lunch.

After lunch:

Possible Afternoon/Evening paint-out*
3:30 PM Possible evening paint-out; could stay at Roza or return to another favorite spot.

End of day :

Decide your own dinner plans, whether picnicking or eating at restaurants in Ellensburg/Yakima.

Directions - from various possible routes:

From Ellensburg, Washington, take Hwy 821 (Canyon Road) south into the Yakima River Canyon. Umtanum is located at milepost 16, Big Pines is located at milepost 10 and Roza is located at milepost 7, a half mile above Roza dam and about 25 miles south of Ellensburg.
From Yakima, Washington, take Hwy 821 north.

Recommended lodging/camping (even for one-day events):

CAMPING IN THE CANYON:
Each BLM campground is $15 per night.
Umtanum Creek Campground
6 campsites available; go to the following website to reserve:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10344742
Big Pines Campground
About 40 campsites, go to the following website to reserve:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985
Roza Campground
6 campsites, go to the following website to reserve:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10344735
Lmuma Creek Campground
7 campsites, go to the following website to reserve:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10344727
MOTELS/HOTELS:
The only lodging inside the canyon itself is Canyon River Ranch, a luxury condo-style lodge, but it is very expensive (at least $400 per night). It would be an idyllic place to stay if you want to splurge. (https://www.canyonriver.net/)
Below I’ve listed the top-rated motels in towns closest to the canyon, for more affordable options.
SELAH:
Quality Inn Selah North Park
YAKIMA:
Best Western Plus Yakima Hotel
The Hotel Y
Holiday Inn
Hilton Garden Inn
Fairfield by Marriot
Ledgestone Suites
ELLENSBURG:
Best Western Plus Ellensburg
Holiday Inn
Towneplace Suites

FAQ's attendees might ask you, as the facilitator - What should I/shouldn't I bring to the event?

Bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a hat.

Is there water, bathrooms, shelter available?

The sites I selected all have vault toilets (no plumbing). Shade will be limited to groves of trees around the river shore.

Is there cell coverage at the location?

There probably won’t be reliable cell coverage in the canyon.

Other notes about this event - include parking info, whether a pass is needed, restrictions, how to spot you, etc:

If you are not camping and using the $15 camping permit/pass, there is a day use fee of $5 or you can use the America the Beautiful Pass, a federal Interagency Pass.

The afternoon/evening painting plans are tentative, depending on who feels up for it, and where we think would be best under lighting conditions. I often can only handle one painting session per day, but I plan to take photos in the afternoon even if I can’t paint.
There is no drinking water or running water at the recreation sites. Be prepared for possible windy conditions in the canyon. Stay aware of your surroundings while painting; this area is habitat for rattlesnakes and ticks.

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