Yakima Hop Harvest: Things to Do | Yakima Valley Hops

The most magical season of the year is already here. Hop harvest runs from late August through early October, with most brewery selections and visits happening during the month of September. The valley is warm, abuzz with excitement, and full of crops being harvested. Enjoy this comprehensive list of things to do, drink, taste and — last, but not least — hop harvest events and activities. Welcome to the valley!

DO: Get outside and explore.

outdoor activities + recreation

Float the scenic Yakima River Canyon (½ day): A peak Yakima activity. Leave a car at Roza Campground (where you’ll end the float) and drop in at Umtanum Creek Recreation Site for the full float, or Lmuma Creek Recreation Site for a partial cruise. Yakima River Tubing offers rentals and shuttle services. Pack beer, sunscreen and snacks!

Hike the Cowiche Canyon Trails (1-3 hours): The Cowiche Canyon Trails are a network of easy-to-moderate trails winding through canyons, sage brush and wildflowers, and offer a quick way to get outside and enjoy the scenic views of the valley. Easy, accessible and free.

Venture to Mt. Rainier National Park (full day): Drive up Chinook Pass or White Pass, both about 30 minutes from Yakima, for gorgeous mountain scenery and plenty of hiking, fishing and biking along the way. White Pass takes you past Rimrock Lake and mountain biking trails. Along Chinook Pass, pull off at Tipsoo Lake for an easy, postcard-worthy view of Rainier. You can pick up the 3.5 mile Naches Peak Loop Trail from the same parking area. Mt. Rainier National Park itself is an hour and a half from Yakima, with a stunning drive that’s well worth the day.

DRINK: All the freshies and more at your fingertips.

breweries + dive bars + wineries

First things first, beer. Here’s a list of breweries in the Yakima Valley in alphabetical order:

5th Line Brewing: 1015 E Lincoln Ave Ste 106, Yakima, WA
Bale Breaker Brewing Co.: 1801 Birchfield Road, Yakima, WA
Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co.: 12160 US-12, Naches, WA
Cowiche Creek Brewing Co.: 514 Thompson Road, Cowiche, WA
The Outskirts Brewing Co.: 707 Test Drive Lane, Selah, WA
Selah Springs Brewing Co.: 310 S 1st Street, Selah, WA
Shorthead Brewing: 100 N Tieton Rd, Tieton, WA
Single Hill Brewing Co.: 102 N Naches Ave, Yakima, WA
Valley Brewing Co.: 3215 River Road, Yakima, WA
Varietal Beer Co.: 416 E Edison Ave, Sunnyside, WA
Wandering Hop: 260 N Bonair Rd, Zillah, WA

In case you need a beer break, not to worry, we have a handful of our favorite local dives in town:

McGuire’s is Yakima’s famous Irish pub, with darts and strong drinks.
Bill's Place is another go-to for locals, with a great beer selection and food to boot.
Brews and Cues is a classic Yakima no-frills spot.
Once or Twice Bar is a new, western-inspired watering hole in the historic district.

Did you know that the Yakima Valley is one of the state’s top growing regions for wine grapes? Many wineries are conveniently dotted along the I-82 highway, from Wapato to Prosser. Our favorite wineries to visit include:

Treveri Cellars (Wapato, WA) : for the bubbles.
Freehand Cellars (Wapato, WA) : for the sweeping valley views.
Owen Roe Estate (Wapato, WA) : for the stellar red selection.
Gilbert Cellars (Yakima, WA) : for the destination wine and rotating food trucks.
Two Mountain Winery (Zillah, WA) : for the laid-back tasting room with estate reds.

TASTE: All the valley has to offer.

restaurants + lounges + farmers markets

Nomad Kitchen (dinner, cocktails) : Worth the trip for a warm atmosphere, great cocktails, and shareable plates built around what local farmers are growing.

Caffe 11th Ave (breakfast, lunch) : A classic, filling American breakfast spot — ketchup already on the table, and unbelievable bloody marys.

Crafted (dinner, cocktails) : A James Beard-nominated Yakima staple with shared plates and ever-changing seasonal menus.

Aventura Coffee (coffee, breakfast) : A micro-roaster serving classic espresso alongside a menu rooted in Mexican tradition — housemade pastries, syrups, and flavors throughout.

My Ma Dim Sum (lunch and dinner) : Comforting dim sum and authentic Vietnamese pho that’s sure to cure any ailments that harvest will throw at you.

Downtown Yakima Farmers Market (lunch, produce) : A one-stop shop for late-summer, farm-fresh produce, food trucks, and local artisans. Runs Sundays through October.

Los Hernandez Tamales (lunch) : Another James Beard-nominated mainstay with traditional tamale plates that are equal parts comforting and flavorful.

Rooted (small plates, cocktails) : A social hall and lounge with a unique tap list and sharable plates featuring local farms.

Cowiche Canyon Kitchen (lunch, dinner, cocktails) : A something-for-everyone establishment with elevated, American fare and good cocktails.

Gatlin's Breakfast & Cafe (breakfast, lunch) : A cozy new addition in Yakima’s historic district with a fresh take on hearty breakfast dishes.

Catalyst Coffee (coffee) : A welcoming spot tucked inside Single Hill Brewery, pouring beans from local and guest roasters, where coffee and beer lovers rub shoulders.

E.Z. Tiger (dinner, cocktails) : A dim sum and noodle house with shareable plates and a robust cocktail menu.

Cowiche Creek Brewing (dinner, beer) : A hyper-local and seasonal menu with frequent specials and outdoor seating for sunset views.

Reno's on the Runway (lunch) : A unique, no-frills lunch spot to watch planes come and go — some might even be carrying hops around the world.

Canyon River Grill (lunch, dinner, cocktails) : A casual restaurant nestled by the Yakima River with to-die-for fish and chips.

HOPS: Walk the farms and never miss an event.

harvest tours + hopsource + events

Harvest tours: Hop farms are scattered throughout the Valley, and every brewer or beer lover should experience harvest firsthand: pull cones off the bine, rub and smell fresh hops, and watch the process in action. The Little Hopper runs limited, seasonal tours for a full, immersive look at hop harvest.

Boards & Beers (Sept. 17; 5-7PM): A casual hang combining a mini skate park with one of the area's best wine shops. Plus skateboards, beer, and good company.

Hopsource (Sept. 22-24): A sensory selection to find the next great public hop variety, here at Yakima Valley Hops. Smell your way through the best experimental hops from the USDA’s breeding program. Free to the public.

AusFest (Sept. 23; 5-9PM): A dive bar celebration of all things Aussie, with beers brewed using Aussie hops and live music on the patio.

Throwback Thursday @ YVH (Sept. 24; 5-9PM): Enjoy nostalgic vibes all night long as we take it back to basics. Crack open a cold Rainier or reach for a C-hop IPA as we celebrate the beers—and the people—that paved the way.

Night of the Experimentals (Sept. 29; 7-10PM): An evening dedicated to the unexpectedly delicious — explore beers from the new and promising frontier of hop breeding.

Haas Hops Academy (Sept. 29; 10AM-4PM; $40): A flagship, one-day event that brings you into the heart of hop country for a hands-on learning experience like no other. Lunch included.