Yakima Canyon

These rock faces are home to the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles and falcons in the state. A rare plant—the endangered basalt daisy—grows only in the Yakima Canyon and one if its tributaries.

The Conservancy established its Yakima Canyon preserve in 1993 to protect this unique habitat. The preserve includes 105 acres of basalt cliff as well as important grasslands and an island in the middle of the Yakima River.

Cooperating with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy of Washington began a long-range protection program for the canyon with the acquisition of a 391-acre parcel of grassland and cliff habitat in 1992. The program ensures the protection of plant and animal life, as well as scenic and recreational resources which significantly benefit the region's residents and economy. The Conservancy transferred the parcel to the Bureau of Land Management in 1992 for management under the agency's Yakima River Canyon Management Plan.

Sheer cliffs of basalt frame the Yakima River Canyon, casting shadows on the sparkling waters below. Located between Yakima and Ellensburg, the 15-mile canyon rises as much as 2,000 feet above the river that carved it.

The prairie falcon is one of many raptors that nest on the steep basalt cliffs of the Yakima River Canyon. © Art Wolfe

© Keith Lazelle The lavender basalt daisy clings to the cliffs of the Yakima River Canyon and nowhere else on earth.

Bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot flowers overlook the Yakima River Canyon. © Keith Lazelle

© Keith Lazelle The steep basalt cliffs of the Yakima River Canyon Preserve.