Selah offers a variety of hiking options and a nature preserve that is especially important for a native plant. The area also has traces of local transportation and apple history. When planning a trip, you can explore nature, walking paths, and cultural topics without having to combine them into a set itinerary.
Nature and Plants at Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve
Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve was established in 1993 to protect the largest known population of basalt daisy (Erigeron basalticus). The plant typically blooms from May through October, with peak bloom in June. The area also provides nesting and roosting sites for prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), and American kestrels (Falco sparverius).
The trail system includes an accessible, 0.5-mile loop made of compacted gravel. An access road and parking lot are located just off Highway 821, south of mile marker 3. Road conditions and parking rules can change, so check the current conditions before your visit.
Walking Paths of Various Lengths
Selah Parks and Recreation offers 13 different walking paths through the city’s main corridor. You can hike the Umtanum Ridge Trail and the Tieton River Trail. Another walking route passes the entrance gates of some of the city’s largest apple producers. The local trail network thus includes both named trails and a walk where the apple industry is part of the route.
For a comparison of the stated distances, there are two out-and-back routes: the Straight Away Walk runs from Trolley Park to the Selah Loop Roundabout and is five miles long. Another out-and-back hike goes from the river up to the summit and is 7.3 miles long. The second route is longer and also includes the climb from the river to the summit. Selah is also connected to the Yakima Greenway.
The nearby Yakima River Canyon is another natural area to consider. Activities in the area include river trips, cycling, fly fishing, hunting, backpacking, sightseeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. Which activities suit a trip also depends on current conditions, which can change.
Apple History and Local Culture
East of downtown, Produce Row retains its character as a warehouse district. Another facet of local history is the historic Selah Line, which was part of the Yakima Valley Transportation Company’s route network until 1919. Together, these places and topics offer insight into different chapters of the city’s history, without forming a particular walking tour.
The Tree Top Store and Visitor Center in Selah offers information about the history of the apple industry. The 2026 edition of the Yakima Valley Official Travel Guide also lists tastings and shopping for products from the Pacific Northwest there. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; as hours can change, check them before visiting.
Selah Community Days takes place annually on the third weekend in May and includes activities and events with Selah residents, businesses, and organizations. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific date in advance, as event dates can change.
Discover more destinations: Wapato, Union Gap, Sunnyside, Outlook, Zillah, Toppenish, Yakima.
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