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Washington | Central Washington / Yakima Canyon
Yakima RiverBig Pines Recreation Site to Roza Recreation Site
A lower Yakima Canyon float ending at the BLM Roza takeout above the diversion dam.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A lower Yakima Canyon float ending at the BLM Roza takeout above the diversion dam.
Access map
Put-in
Big Pines Recreation Site river launch, BLMUse the documented BLM recreation sites and respect private banks.
Take-out
Roza Recreation Site river takeout, BLMKeep the route above Roza Diversion Dam; Roza is the required downstream endpoint for this canyon batch.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use the documented BLM recreation sites and respect private banks.
- Keep the route above Roza Diversion Dam; Roza is the required downstream endpoint for this canyon batch.
- Recheck flow, wind, cold-water conditions and access notices on launch day.
Watch for
- USGS 12484500 trend and irrigation operations
- Cold water, wind and floating wood
- Roza Diversion Dam and limited cell service
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Yakima River at Umtanum, WA. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Yakima River at Umtanum, WA |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 1,500 cfs to 5,000 cfs |
| Low threshold | 1,000 cfs |
| High threshold | 7,000 cfs |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Yakima Canyon boat-route flow guidance |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Named reachBig Pines Recreation Site to Roza Recreation Site
American Whitewater and BLM document the Yakima Canyon corridor and developed river accesses.
- Scoring band1,500–5,000 cfs broad planning range; 1,000 cfs minimum cue; 7,000 cfs review ceiling
Wilderness Portal describes the canyon as comfortable across roughly 1,500–5,000 cfs. Verify live telemetry, trend, wind and wood before travel.
- GaugeUSGS 12484500 at Umtanum
Direct Yakima Canyon telemetry for all three contiguous segments.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
More in Washington
All 41 routesMore on Yakima River
All 6Quick answers
Yakima River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Big Pines Recreation Site to Roza Recreation Site route on the Yakima River?
Paddle Today watches Yakima River at Umtanum, WA and treats 1,500 cfs to 5,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Big Pines Recreation Site to Roza Recreation Site route on the Yakima River start and end?
This route starts at Big Pines Recreation Site river launch, BLM and ends at Roza Recreation Site river takeout, BLM, about 3 river miles on the water.
Is the Big Pines Recreation Site to Roza Recreation Site route on the Yakima River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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