Discover Yakima
39 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Union Creek Falls
A photogenic cascade set among mossy boulders and old-growth forest near Goose Prairie. Best after spring snowmelt or rainy periods when flow is strong; golden hour and overcast days give rich colors and soft light. Access requires a short forest hike on unpaved trails—expect limited parking and muddy approaches. No fees; dress for wet terrain and bring bug protection in summer. Its intimate scale and forest framing make it ideal for close-up waterfall studies and moody woodland scenes.
Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Yakima Arboretum & Botanical Garden offers curated tree collections, seasonal flower beds, ponds and open lawns — ideal for composition variety from intimate flower/macros to wide landscape and reflective water scenes. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors; spring and fall yield strongest blooms and foliage. Weekday mornings are quieter. Small parking lot on site; check hours/entry on the official site before visiting. Trails are generally short and easy, making gear transport/3
Carbonneau Mansion
Carbonneau Mansion is a stately historic residence with ornate exterior details and mature landscaping—ideal for architectural and heritage shots. Photograph façades, decorative trim, porches and framed views through the garden. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings avoid event traffic. Access is primarily exterior only—confirm public access or event bookings in advance. Street parking is available; respect private property and nearby residences.
Union Creek Sno-Park
Small winter parking area on the eastern flank of Mount Rainier offering snowy pine forests, a braided creek and clear sightlines to the mountain on good days. Best in winter and early spring after fresh snow for high-contrast scenes; sunrise and blue hour deliver cold-toned light and long shadows. Requires a Washington Sno-Park permit in season and winter driving equipment; parking is limited — arrive early on weekends. Trails are snow-packed; snowshoes or skis recommended for deeper access.
Clear Creek Falls Overlook
A roadside viewpoint over Clear Creek and its cascading falls framed by forested slopes — great for long exposures of tumbling water, seasonal wildflowers, and autumn color. Best after spring snowmelt or fall rains when flow is strong. Visit at golden hour for warm side-light on the falls; mid-summer can be low. Small pullout off WA‑410 with brief uneven trail and limited parking; no fees. Respect fragile alpine vegetation and stay behind safety rails.
Union Creek Trailhead
Union Creek Trailhead is a compact gateway into Cascade foothill forest and a photogenic creek corridor—mossy logs, riffles, small cascades and framed mountain views in season. Best at golden hour or overcast for soft light; spring brings wildflowers and higher flows, autumn yields vivid foliage, winter offers snowy scenes but requires traction. Small parking lot on WA‑410; short hikes from the trailhead deliver multiple compositional options. Located on the traditional lands of the Yakama area—
Wenas Mammoth Mountain
Expansive basalt ridges and dry grassland atop Wenas Mammoth Mountain offer wide panoramic vistas of the Wenas Valley, Yakima Ridge and distant Cascades. Shoot sweeping landscapes at golden hour, wildflower carpets in late spring, or snow-dusted contrast in winter. Access is via S Wenas Rd with informal pullouts and primitive parking — a high-clearance vehicle may help for closer vantage points. No formal entry fees but respect private grazing land and seasonal closures for wildlife. Weekday sun
A.E. Larson Building
A.E. Larson Building is Yakima’s iconic Art Deco high-rise — strong vertical lines, ornamented facade and vintage rooftop signage make it a compelling subject for architectural and urban photography. Best visited at golden hour or after dusk when interior and street lights accentuate relief and windows. Located in downtown Yakima with street parking and nearby public transit; exterior shots require no entry, lobby access may be limited. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed compositions.
Yakima Pride Rainbow Community Crosswalk
Vivid rainbow-painted crosswalk in downtown Yakima — a colorful, low-angle subject that celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and community. Photograph bold stripes, reflections after rain, and interaction with pedestrians during events. Best light: golden hour or overcast for saturated colors; evenings for neon-lit street scenes during festivals. Easily accessible on foot with on-street parking and nearby city lots; no entry fee. Be mindful of traffic and community context — shoot respectfully during Pride/á
Masonic Temple
Historic Masonic Temple on E Yakima Ave offers strong architectural lines, ornamented façade and Masonic symbols—great for detail shots and street-context compositions. Best light is golden hour on the building's east and late-afternoon for warm side lighting; blue hour yields dramatic nightscapes with street lamps. Street parking is available; interior access may be restricted—ask ahead. Weekday mornings are quieter for unobstructed shots. The building's civic and fraternal history adds context
Largest Sycamore in Yakima
A celebrated, massive sycamore tree and local landmark — shoot its towering trunk, twisting branches and textured bark for dramatic detail, or include surrounding street/park for scale. Best at golden hour or overcast for even bark tones; fall and spring offer seasonal color. Easily accessible from the sidewalk with street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Respect residential area and avoid blocking driveways.
Yakima Sportsman State Park
Small riverside park on the Yakima River with riparian forest, wetlands, a boat launch and flat trails — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and bird photography. Visit at golden hour for warm light on cottonwoods or in spring for wildflowers and migrating waterfowl. Easily reached from Yakima with roadside parking and short, accessible trails; expect seasonal mosquitoes and variable river levels. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Grandview Rose Garden
A compact public rose garden along the Lower Yakima Valley Pathway offering dense beds of roses, pergolas and valley views. Best in late spring–summer when roses bloom; golden hour (sunrise/sunset) and overcast days bring rich color. Easily accessible by car with nearby roadside parking; paved paths good for tripods and wheelchairs. Weekdays and early mornings minimize visitors. No special entry fee; respect plantings and local etiquette.
Blessed Cats
Indoor cat sanctuary/shop offering expressive animal portraits and candid interaction shots. Shoot close-ups, low-angle eye-level portraits, and environmental scenes with caretakers. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons for natural window light and quieter rooms. Small space—respect animals, expect possible entry rules or donation/appointment; street parking on W Chestnut Ave. No-flash policy often preferred to avoid startling cats.
Tieton Terrace Park
Small riverside park with terraced grassy slopes overlooking the Tieton River and surrounding orchards — good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, especially at golden hour. Easy roadside parking on W Tieton Dr and short walks to viewpoints; generally accessible with no entry fee. Visit sunrise or sunset for soft side light and reflections; spring and fall bring color changes. Weekdays are quieter; respect local users and private orchards nearby.
Kiwanis Park
Small riverside park on the Yakima River with island trails, riparian trees, open lawns and birdlife — great for water reflections, intimate landscapes and wildlife. Visit at golden hour or early morning for soft light and quiet; spring brings migrants and green foliage, autumn offers warm tones. Accessible paved paths and parking off E Maple St; no entry fee. Expect locals, picnickers and occasional events.
Buchanan Lake
Small reservoir in Yakima Valley offering calm water reflections, shoreline scrub, migratory birds and colorful sunsets. Easy roadside access and small parking at the boat launch; no entrance fee. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for mirror reflections and at spring for migrating waterfowl and wildflowers. Summer evenings offer dramatic skies; weekdays and early mornings have few visitors.
Gilbert Park
Small riverside park on the Yakima River with tree-lined trails, lawns, a pedestrian bridge and river access — good for shooting flowing water, reflections, seasonal foliage and low-angle river vistas. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and reflections; spring and fall offer peak color. Easy access with on-site parking at 5000 W Lincoln Ave, paved paths and ADA-friendly areas; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; check river levels after rain for stronger currents.
North Union Creek Falls Upper Tier
Upper tier of North Union Creek Falls offers a multi-step cascade framed by lush Douglas-fir and mossy boulders — excellent for long-exposure flowing-water shots and intimate forest compositions. Best in spring/early summer for peak flow and after storms for saturated greens; sunrise/overcast days give soft, even light. Access requires a short to moderate forest hike from Cougar Valley trail access with limited roadside parking; bring protective gear for spray and muddy approaches. No fees but遵守
Miller Park
Small urban riverside park along the Yakima River offering tree-lined paths, river reflections, seasonal foliage and city-backdrops. Photograph golden-hour light on the water, autumn colors, and candid park life. Easy street parking, no entry fee; accessible paths. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and long shadows; weekdays are quieter. Close to downtown so pair with urban shoots or riverwalk compositions.
McGonagle Park
Small community park on the Yakima River offering riverside trails, open lawns, mature trees and picnic shelters—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour for warm side-light on trees and water reflections; spring brings fresh greens and wildflowers, fall yields color. Easy parking at the lot, free entry, mostly flat paved and dirt paths with some accessible sections. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends host community events.
Gardner Park
Small riverside park on the Yakima River offering riparian trees, walking paths, grassy picnic areas and informal river access. Shoot river reflections, seasonal foliage, long-exposures of flowing water, and candid park life. Best light is golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm side-light and reflections; spring and fall give strongest color. Easy access from Cornell Ave with free parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter for composition and wildlife.
Sarg Hubbard Park
Small riverside park along the Yakima River offering tree-lined banks, trails, seasonal wildflowers and reflective water scenes. Best at golden hour for warm light on the river and softer shadows; autumn brings colorful foliage. Easy access from 18th St with street parking and paved paths—no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce walkers and dog traffic. Compact, locally loved spot good for intimate landscape and waterscape studies rather than grand vistas.
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Open central‑Washington plateau landscape: rolling farmland, dry grass, and distant Cascade foothills visible on clear days. Best for expansive landscape compositions, seasonal colors (orchard bloom in spring, golden harvest in fall) and dramatic skies at sunrise/sunset. Rural location with roadside access; expect gravel county roads and informal pullouts for parking. No entry fees but respect private property and fences. Early morning and late evening provide best light and fewer vehicles; wind
Lower Valley Memorial Gardens
A tidy memorial garden with manicured lawns, headstones, mature trees and seasonal plantings offering intimate detail shots and quiet wide-angle compositions. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday mornings minimize visitors. Site is public but treat as a place of respect — keep noise low and avoid disturbing graves. Small parking lot on Van Belle Rd; mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible pathways.
Cherry Park
Small neighborhood park next to Cherry Ave in Yakima offering seasonal cherry blossoms, open lawns, mature trees and pathways — ideal for close-up floral studies in spring and low‑sun landscape shots at golden hour. Easily accessible with street parking, free entry and flat paths for tripods; visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid families and dog walkers. Spring bloom windows and autumn color provide the best visual payoff.
Sherman Park
Small riverside park along the Yakima River offering water reflections, tree-lined paths, grassy picnic areas and birdlife. Best for intimate landscapes, waterscape compositions and seasonal color. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and calm water; weekday mornings avoid families and anglers. Easy roadside parking on W Birchfield Rd, flat accessible trails, no entry fee. Summer offers lush greenery; spring brings migratory birds.
Emil Kissel Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature shade trees and riverside trail access near W Mead Ave — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and environmental portraits. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long shadows; spring and fall provide strongest color. Easy street parking and flat, accessible paths make gear transport simple; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect families and dog walkers on weekends.
Rosalma Garden Club Park
Small, well-kept community garden showcasing seasonal flower beds, shrubs and shaded walkways — ideal for close-up floral studies, intimate landscape frames and peaceful park scenes. Best visited spring–early fall for peak blooms; golden hour and overcast mornings offer soft, even light. Easy street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Accessible paths suitable for most gear and tripods.
Larson Park
Neighborhood green space with open lawns, mature trees, playgrounds and sports fields — good for relaxed landscape, environmental portraits and community scenes. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings have fewer sports crowds. On-site parking and public access; paths and picnic areas make gear transport easy. Great for seasonal color and casual urban-nature compositions.
Randall Park
Randall Park is a local community green space with open lawns, tree-lined paths, a small pond and recreational facilities — good for calm landscape and neighborhood lifestyle shots. Visit at golden hour or overcast afternoons for even light; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy street parking and paved paths make gear access simple. No entry fee; expect local families and occasional community events that add context.
Raymond Park
Small, tree‑lined urban park near downtown Yakima offering grassy lawns, mature shade trees, playground and seasonal community activity. Best at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings minimize crowds. Easy street parking, no entry fee, mostly flat and wheelchair‑accessible. Good for environmental portraits, quiet nature shots and community scenes that capture local life.
South 2nd Street Park
Small riverside park on the Yakima/Naches corridor offering river reflections, tree-lined paths, seasonal foliage and casual urban-river scenes. No entry fee; street parking on E Race St and nearby lots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on water and silhouettes; spring and fall for color; weekday mornings to avoid local foot traffic. Easy walking access and wheelchair-friendly paths.
North Union Creek Falls Lower Tier
A mossy, multi-tiered cascade tucked in dense Pacific Northwest forest — shoot flowing water, textured rock, and close-up plant detail. Best after spring snowmelt for strong flow or in autumn for colored understory. Access requires a short, often damp hike from a trailhead; expect slippery roots and limited parking. Visit on overcast days or golden hour for soft light; check local forest road conditions and seasonal closures before driving.
Martin Luther King Junior Park
Small urban memorial park with lawns, mature trees, walkways and community-use areas — good for intimate landscape, portrait and documentary shots that capture local life and seasonal color. Visit at golden hour or overcast midday for even light. Public, no entry fee; street parking nearby on S 8th/9th. Weekday mornings are quieter; community events can add cultural interest. Accessibility is typical of city parks (paved paths, benches).
Summitview Park
Small hilltop park with sweeping views over the Yakima Valley and city skyline — ideal for wide landscape shots, golden-hour cityscapes, and seasonal wildflower foregrounds. Easy access from Summitview Ave with free parking at the lot; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm directional light and long shadows; spring brings blossoms and late summer offers clear mountain views. Short paved paths and viewpoints are wheelchair accessible; expect local walkers and occasional dog owners.
Larson Gallery
Small contemporary gallery within Yakima Valley College showcasing rotating exhibits of regional art and installations. Photograph curated artworks, gallery interiors, and visiting artists during openings. Best visited on weekday mornings for low crowds or during evening openings for event atmosphere; lighting is gallery-controlled (spotlights) so reflections and mixed color temps are common. Public campus parking nearby; entry usually free but check exhibit hours and ask staff before shooting.
Lions Park
Small urban riverside park on the Yakima River with mature trees, open lawns, riverside trails and bridges—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal color and people-in-park scenes. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on water and trees; weekdays and early mornings avoid crowds. Easy street parking on W Pine St; paths are mostly accessible. No entry fee. Useful in spring/fall for foliage, summer for activity shots.
McGuinness Park
Small community park near the Yakima River offering riverside trails, mature trees, open lawns and seasonal birdlife — good for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or overcast light for even tones; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy access with free street parking, no entry fee, flat paths suitable for tripods and low gear. Family-friendly local spot, great for practice shots and capturing river reflections and birds.