Washington State Route 821

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, we drove Washington State Route 821, winding up the Yakima Canyon.

State route No. 821:

A state highway to be known as state route number 821 is established as follows:

Beginning at a junction with state route number 82 in the vicinity north of Yakima, thence northerly to a junction with state route number 82 south of Ellensburg.

Highway 821 begins at this interchange with I-82 at the north end of the Selah Valley.


Just around the corner, we reach the junction with SR 823.


Highway 821 then proceeds to join the old route for US 97, which used to go through the Yakima Canyon before the interstate was built over the ridges. We drive through apple orchards that still have fruit but no leaves, then drop down to the Yakima River and enter the snow-dusted canyon. This is certainly one of the most scenic highways in all of Washington. Watch out for fallen rocks. The canyon curves like a river meandering across a flat plain, which is exactly what it is. The river was here long before the mountains rose up. After every earthquake when the ridges formed, the river carved the rock back down to level. So now we drive this twisty loopy canyon, in and out of the sun and shade, with towering cliffs and the river flowing wide and slow. Fishermen are enjoying the day. Suddenly the canyon opens into the Kittitas Valley. Highway 821 takes the first available right turn off the old US 97 and we are at the end of the route, at this interchange with I-82.

Sometimes it's good to take the slow road and this is a good slow road.