Yakima County

Yakima County centers on the Yakima Valley and extends from the summits of the Cascades to the within a few dozen miles of the Columbia, an incredible range of environmental conditions.

The county seat and largest city on the east slope is Yakima, whose prominence is due to a decision of the railways in the last century. The former chief point, also originally called Yakima, became Union Gap. Other major communities include Sunnyside and Toppenish, headquarters for the Yakama Indian Nation.

Between the western and eastern ends of the county, there is a climatic shift to very dry conditions typical of the Columbia Basin in Eastern Washington.

See more Washington Counties.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Washington Events Are: Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Gig Harbor December 12 Red Wine and Chocolate Port Angeles and Port Townsend February 13 thru February 15 Celebrate Thanksgiving in Washington Wine Country Yakima Valley November 27 thru November 29 Holiday Barrel Tasting Walla Walla December 4 thru December 6 Christmas Lighting Festival Leavenworth December 18 thru December 20

Other upcoming events include: Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Gig Harbor December 12 Scrooge: The Musical Port Townsend November 27 thru December 20 Bed & Breakfast Holiday Open House Peninsula December 12 thru December 13 Wine & Cheese - Wine Education Series at Central Washington University Ellensburg February 5 Ellensburg Public Library Opening Reenactment Ellensburg January 23