We as humans have proven to be creatures of habit, creating routines for ourselves that are designed by our own hands to ease the flow of our busy lives. But falling into such a repetitive rut can prove to be boring in the long run. After a while, adventure always comes calling, begging us to shed the shackles of routine, get out there, and try something new and completely unexpected. Lucky for those in Yakima, there is plenty of unique fun promising to answer adventure’s call and provide the area with some genuinely unexpected experiences.
Nob Hill Bowl and Casino
3807 W Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima
509.966.1070
If you’re looking to take a gamble on stepping away from the daily routine, consider visiting Nob Hill Bowl and Casino! Operating since 2001, Nob Hill Bowl and Casino has been Yakima’s premier entertainment and nightlife complex for city members, offering a fun-filled bowling alley, action-packed casino, and gourmet steakhouse known as The Last Frontier.
Head on over on a Friday night to experience “cosmic” bowling, where they turn the black lights on and crank up the music. Or head on over to the casino where they offer seven game tables for table and poker games such as blackjack and Spanish 21. Build up an appetite during either activity and head on over to the restaurant and enjoy a victory dinner or a consolation meal.
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park
5150 Fort Simcoe Rd., White Swan
509.874.2372
Visitors who adventure over to Fore Simcoe Historical State Park can take a walk through history as they explore the ancient grounds. Military history buffs should especially consider this a bucket list item as Fort Simcoe is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts in the west. The fort itself carries a unique sense of remoteness as it is hidden between rolling hills, small farms, and tiny towns on the Yakima Indian Reservation, making it the perfect spot for people who want peace and quiet to be a break from their usual daily routine. Spend the day exploring the history of the area and the pieces of the fort that still remain to this day, such as the tribal jail, restored barracks, and blockhouse.
Tactical Tag LLC
315 W Yakima Ave., Yakima
509.480.0499
The creation of Tactical Tag LLC actually came from local couple Kris and Melissa Froehlich. They kept seeking to step out of the norm of dinner and a movie and do something completely different with their Saturday nights. When an opportunity presented itself with the perfect building for an extravagant laser tag arena in the heart of downtown, the couple took a leap of faith and created a 7,000 square foot multi-level laser tag arena housed in a 15,000 square foot building. Today community members can gather at Tactical Tag LLC for birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family gatherings, corporate team-building exercises, or just gather as a group of good friends looking to blow off some steam. They even offer axe throwing for those looking for something a little more daring!
Oak Creek Wildlife Area
16601 US-12, Naches
509.653.2390
Those looking to take a serious walk on the wild side should consider taking a trip to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. The area itself covers an abundant 67,100 acres, and the key attraction is the feeding station that attracts herds of elk by the hundreds during the winter season. Of course, that’s not the only wildlife inhabiting the area. Other wildlife viewing is offered to visitors, such as bighorn sheep, woodpeckers, raptors, and a variety of native songbirds.
Rill Adventures
Along the Yakima River in Thorp, WA
509.964.2530
Offering guided trips, equipment rentals, and fly fishing so the Yakima community can enjoy some summer fun on the water is Rill Adventures! For those just looking for some time floating about in the water instead of laying on the couch, Rill Adventures offers full-service equipment rentals so they can enjoy the waves with ease.
Those looking into peaceful fly fishing can join in on one of the many year-round fly fishing tours with equipment rentals offered for this activity. Newcomers and curious explorers also can participate in one of their hassle-free guided trips, where you get to hit the rapids with a studied guide who will lead the tour and stop at the best places along the way with the highest chance of spotting local wildlife. Don’t forget to pack that picnic lunch!
Just Breathe Adventure Co.
Naches, WA
saraklasha@icloud.com
Just Breathe Adventure Co., run by local owner Sara Washburn, offers the Yakima community a unique and unexpected experience on the water. The company provides paddleboarding adventures, retreats, training, weekly classes/lessons, and special paddle and yoga events in the greater Yakima area. Washburn has been leading guided Stand Up Paddleboard adventures and classes in the form of yoga in the area since 2016 and is a credited SUP Master Trainer, so you know you’re in good hands!
Some alternative fun class options for the activity include Moonlight+Glow Paddle, where you can enjoy the nightlife in a whole new way while doing stand-up paddle yoga after dark with glowing lights underneath the paddle to create a dazzling night light effect on the water. If the nightlife isn’t your style, join the Sunset SUP & SIP course, where you will take a small paddle to a nearby island to anchor down and enjoy a calming, gentle wave yoga session as soon as the sunsets. Afterward, you’ll paddle back to shore, where delicious fare and local wine awaits!
Of course, if none of these local hot spots spike your interest with their unique offerings of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there are plenty of other adventures to be found in the Yakima community. From mountain bike riding to horseback riding, from catching the waves to taking a hike, there is tons of fun in our local community. So, break out of that boring old routine and have the time of your life this summer here in Yakima!
