The Nature Conservancy established its Yakima River Canyon preserve in 1993 to protect the fragile and unique habitats there. The preserve includes 105 acres of basalt cliff as well as important grasslands and an island in the middle of the Yakima River. Sheer basalt rock cliffs frame the Yakima River Canyon, casting shadows on the waters below. Located between Yakima and Ellensburg, the 15-mile canyon rises as much as 2,000 feet above the river that carved it. 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 River Canyon and one of its tributaries. In addition to the hawks, eagles and falcons that nest here, the preserve is also home to great blue herons, osprey, big horn sheep, deer, elk, several species of small mammals, and rattlesnakes. ~ The Nature Conservancy

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To read more about our travels click 'The Great Adventure 2009'