The 1967 extraordinary session of the Washington State Legislature established the scenic and recreational highway system and identified approximately 33.4 miles of primary State Highway 3 as a scenic and recreational highway. The Yakima Canyon Scenic and Recreational Highway from Helen McMabe State Park to Selah Creek is park of this scenic and recreational highway system. The Helen McCabe State park was identified and acquired as the first recreational development travelers would encounter when traveling southbound through the canyon.
The Washington State Parks system includes more than 100 developed parks and covers about a quarter million acres.
