Mattawa is a small town in Central Washington offering paddling on the Columbia River, quiet desert hiking, and rich birdwatching spots. With wide-open spaces and protected wildlife refuges nearby, it’s a peaceful base for exploring rugged landscapes.
Mattawa is a small town in Central Washington offering paddling on the Columbia River, quiet desert hiking, and rich birdwatching spots. With wide-open spaces and protected wildlife refuges nearby, it’s a peaceful base for exploring rugged landscapes.
Outdoor Activities and Adventure in Mattawa, Washington
Mattawa, Washington, located along the Columbia River in Central Washington, offers outdoor lovers a chance to explore desert landscapes and river environments that are less visited but full of natural beauty. This small town provides excellent opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Mattawa, Washington special.
★ 7⌖ 34.79 milesEasyCowiche Canyon Trail East Trailhead near Yakima, WA offers an easy, family-friendly hike through basalt cliffs and desert vegetation. Enjoy scenic views, spring wildflowers, and wildlife watching on this accessible trail with parking and interpretive signs.
★ 8.5⌖ 35.46 milesModerateLocated just outside Yakima, Cowiche Canyon & Uplands Trails offer moderate hiking and mountain biking through scenic basalt formations and grassy uplands. Best visited in spring and fall for wildflowers and foliage, it provides quiet, accessible trails with great views and wildlife opportunities.
★ 7.8⌖ 37.46 milesExplore the Cowiche Canyon Uplands near Yakima, WA. Enjoy hiking with views of basalt walls and wildflowers, plus bird watching. Drive-in access, family-friendly, best visited in spring and fall. Prepare for rocky trails and enjoy the quiet beauty year-round.
★ 8.2⌖ 49.81 milesSaddle Rock in Wenatchee, WA offers stunning views over a moderate hike, perfect for photography and trail running. Best explored during spring and fall. Drive-in access and adventure seekers are welcome. Expect varied terrain with some slippery sections.
Discover the top 15 adventure activities and curated experiences in Mattawa, Washington, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Mattawa, Washington.
⌖ 39.3 miHourly Tritoon rentals from Pro Touch Jet Ski and Boat Rental on Moses Lake and Potholes—spacious, tubable boats with convenient launch drop-off and pick-up.
⌖ 48.5 miAn all-day rental through Pasco on a 2024 GAS GAS 350 — this guide distills what to expect from Big D's Powersport Rentals' eight-hour experience.
⌖ 48.5 miAn eight-hour, fully fueled ATV rental from Big D's Powersport Rentals that starts at 9AM and takes riders to Juniper Dunes, Horn Rapids or the Moses Lake dunes.
⌖ 35.3 miA 3-hour, hands-on class with Wheel Line Cider where participants press their own juice, begin fermentation, and learn the fundamentals to craft cider at home.
⌖ 39.3 miMulti-day pontoon rentals for up to 10 people on Moses Lake and Potholes, featuring a sundeck, MP3 hookup and optional tubing—this guide orients you to the logistics, on-water features and operator policies.
⌖ 35.3 miA one-of-a-kind pairing of Endurocross racing and bull riding at the Ellensburg Rodeo Arena—this guide synthesizes what to expect, where to go, and who benefits.
⌖ 35.3 miA two-day, Supercross-style dirt-bike race held at the world-famous Ellensburg Rodeo Arena with classes for all ages — this guide orients spectators to the weekend’s format and what to expect.
⌖ 48.5 miAn 8-hour, ready-to-ride Polaris Scrambler 500 rental in Pasco that delivers automatic, 2- or 4-wheel-drive thrills with protective gear included—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 40.2 miHourly rentals of high-performance ski boats for skiing, wakeboarding and tubing on Moses Lake and Potholes — a practical guide to what to expect, what’s included, and how to plan.
⌖ 40.5 miA concise guide to renting a high-performance, eight-seat ski boat for multi-day water-sport outings on Moses Lake and Potholes.
⌖ 30.1 miA four‑hour, small‑group beer‑bus tour of Yakima’s award‑winning breweries with a complimentary fresh hop flight or glass at each stop, useful for planning pick‑up and seasonal travel.
⌖ 38.9 miA compact, fully equipped fishing boat from Cascade Marina available as half- or full-day rentals on Moses Lake; this guide explains the gear, schedules, and essentials to plan your outing.
⌖ 48.5 miRent fully equipped Kawasaki KX450F dirt bikes and ATVs from Big D's Powersport Rentals—helmets, goggles and protective gear included; pick up in Burbank or arrange delivery.
⌖ 34.5 miA six-hour, 10-mile bike tour from Benton City that pairs valley vistas with visits to multiple wineries and guided tastings.
⌖ 37.5 miA focused 6-hour bike tour that threads riverside lanes and vineyard roads in Prosser, ending at a panoramic winery—this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and how the route flows.
Make the most of your visit to Mattawa, Washington with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Mattawa, Washington is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the desert climate can be hot and dry.
Check local regulations for access to Hanford Reach areas, some require permits.
Plan paddling trips in spring or early summer when river flows are moderate.
Wildlife is most active early morning and dusk; plan outings accordingly.
Few services are available outside Mattawa; stock up before heading into the outdoors.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Mattawa, Washington. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.
