Floating the Yakima

Salmon123

Salmon123

Steelhead
I have now lived up here for 13 years, and have been visting Ellensburg for 25 years, Always wanted to go tubing in innertubes... I always see people floating in the canyon. Anyone ever done it? Tips? Pros/Cons.
 
Wear a life jacket,

Scope the take out, you don’t want to miss it.

Keep to the middle, away from brush on the sides

Float mid day to avoid people fishing

Reds fly shop will shuttle your car for $40 or bring enough people and cars to shuttle it yourself

Big horn to Umtanum will take around 3 hours

Umtanum to big pines is about the same.

Maybe a little longer with stops

Have fun
 
The lower in the river you go the safer you are in terms of timber in the river. It is my understanding that the area around Ringer has claimed some lives over the years. You really have very little control on an inner tube to avoid hazards. I do see people putting in tubes at Umtanum regularly and seem to be having a good time. Wear a life jacket.
 
Some folks bring a frisbee to use as a paddle if you need to move quickly or change directions.
 
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Use more sunscreen than you think you need with good coverage. Make sure your sunglasses have a lanyard. Some kind of water shoe would be ideal or an old pair of sneakers.
 
Yep, done it a bunch. Pros: it's fun. Cons: none, unless you don't like fun.
Tips: bring a soft cooler and strap/rig it to your tube. Ditto a small dry bag for keys/phone/wallet/etc. Bring a paddle, or something you can use w/ a paddle. Frisbees work. Stay on the inside edge of the river, stay away from the outside edge. Don't plan on being alone. Like @Walove said, your best bet is big horn to umtanum or umtanum to big pines. Don't try and fish.

Lastly, make sure your floatie game is dialed in - the correct floatie can really set the tone for a strong trip.

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