#yakima river

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Frozen River Edge

Another, taken at the same spot.

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River Bend December 2024 Road Trip Yakima River Canyon, Washington State Photographer: Chris Rummel

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National Washington Day

National Washington Day celebrates the state named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. Known as the “Evergreen State,” Washington offers lush forests, majestic mountains, and a vibrant cultural scene.

From the bustling streets of Seattle to the serene landscapes of Olympic National Park, the state showcases a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. ​

This day highlights Washington’s significant contributions to the nation. As a leading producer of apples, hops, and cherries, the state’s agricultural impact is profound.

Its tech industry, anchored by giants like Microsoft and Amazon, drives innovation. Celebrating National Washington Day allows us to appreciate the state’s rich heritage and ongoing influence in various sectors.

How to Celebrate National Washington Day

Celebrating National Washington Day offers a delightful opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Washington’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Here are some playful and engaging suggestions to mark the occasion:

Embark on a Virtual Tour of Washington’s Wonders

Explore the majestic landscapes of Olympic National Park or the bustling Pike Place Market in Seattle from the comfort of your home through virtual tours.

These online experiences provide immersive views and interactive features, allowing you to appreciate the state’s diverse environments and vibrant communities.​

Host a Washington-Themed Culinary Night

Bring the flavors of Washington to your kitchen by preparing dishes featuring the state’s renowned produce.

Think apple-inspired desserts, cherry-infused salads, or a seafood feast showcasing Pacific Northwest specialties. Pair your meal with a glass of Washington’s acclaimed wine for an authentic touch.​

Dive into Washington’s Musical Heritage

Create a playlist celebrating Washington’s rich musical scene, from the grunge sounds of Nirvana to the indie vibes of Death Cab for Cutie.

Let the melodies transport you to the streets of Seattle, where these iconic bands began their journeys.​

Engage in a Washington Trivia Challenge

Gather friends and family for a lively trivia session focusing on Washington’s history, geography, and pop culture.

Craft questions about landmarks like the Space Needle or famous residents such as Jimi Hendrix. This engaging activity promises both fun and newfound knowledge.​

Support Washington’s Artisans and Authors

Explore the works of Washington-based artists and writers by visiting online galleries or reading novels set in the state.

Delve into the mystery novels of Spokane’s Jess Walter or admire the glass artistry of Tacoma’s Dale Chihuly. Supporting local creatives enriches your appreciation of the state’s cultural landscape.

History of National Washington Day

National Washington Day celebrates the state named after George Washington, the nation’s first president. This special day recognizes Washington’s contributions to the country, from its breathtaking landscapes to its economic and cultural impact.

The state, nicknamed the “Evergreen State,” officially became part of the United States in November 1889. With its vast forests, towering mountains, and deep-rooted history, Washington has played a key role in shaping the nation.

The tradition of honoring each state with its own national day started with National Day Calendar, a group dedicated to recognizing unique celebrations.

National Washington Day became part of this effort, giving residents and enthusiasts a reason to appreciate the state’s rich heritage. Although it is not a public holiday, many people take the time to learn more about the region’s history, achievements, and notable figures.

Washington stands out for its influence in technology, agriculture, and music.

The state has fostered innovation through companies like Microsoft and Amazon while producing famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. By marking this occasion, people reflect on the state’s journey and its lasting impact on the world.

Source

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Yakima River Gorge looking north from Umtanum Ridge, Yakima County, 1996.

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Floating the Yakima

My cousin and her husband are visiting this week so Beth arranged a 12 mile guided float down the Yakima. We’ve taken guided fishing trips on the Yakima before but this time it was fun to just relax and float by the beautiful scenery. The weather was sunny but cool.

Despite the lack of rain, the river was high due to high demand for agricultural irrigation. Several dammed lakes are managed to provide the necessary water. The dams feed water from the bottom of the lakes, so the water is cold and comfortable for the trout and salmon.

The trip starts where the Yakima passes through conifer forests near our house but then moves to the semi arid plateau, cutting through the igneous rock formations until it eventually joins the Columbia.

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Yakima River - Washington - USA (by marcus eubanks) 

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Along the Yakima River Canyon

[rjzimmerman]

Climate Change Is Ravaging the Colorado River. There’s a Model to Avert the Worst.

Success in the Yakima River Basin in Washington holds lessons for the seven states at war over water in the American West.

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

The water managers of the Yakima River basin in arid Central Washington know what it’s like to fight over water, just like their counterparts along the Colorado River are fighting now. They know what it’s like to be desperate, while drought, climate change, population growth and agriculture shrink water supplies to crisis levels.

They understand the acrimony among the seven Colorado Basin states, unable to agree on a plan for deep cuts in water use that the federal government has demanded to stave off disaster.

But a decade ago, the water managers of the Yakima Basin tried something different. Tired of spending more time in courtrooms than at conference tables, and faced with studies showing the situation would only get worse, they hashed out a plan to manage the Yakima River and its tributaries for the next 30 years to ensure a stable supply of water.

The circumstances aren’t completely parallel, but some experts on Western water point to the Yakima plan as a model for the kind of cooperative effort that needs to happen on the Colorado right now.

Climate change and recurring drought had wreaked havoc with the water supply for irrigation managers and farmers in the Yakima Basin, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Conservationists were concerned that habitats were drying up, threatening species. Old dams built to store water had blocked the passage of fish, all but eliminating the trout and salmon that the Indigenous Yakama Nation had harvested for centuries. In droughts, water allocations to many farms were cut.

After several years of give-and-take, the result was the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, a blueprint for ensuring a reliable and resilient water supply for farmers, municipalities, natural habitats and fish, even in the face of continued warming and potentially more droughts.

A decade into the plan, there are tens of millions of dollars’ worth of projects up and down the river designed to achieve those goals, including canal lining and other improvements in irrigation efficiency, increasing reservoir storage, and removing barriers to fish.